We’ve all had experiences in the past where we have really disliked our jobs.  When you are at a crossroads in your career, here are some consulting techniques we’ve identified to help you reevaluate your future direction and goals.  We’ve found this is also helpful in dealing with our college students as they are exploring their options for fields of study/majors.  Sitting down and really dedicating some time to thinking about these questions can be extremely helpful in navigating the road ahead.  Oftentimes, having a partner – mentor, trusted colleague, parent or good friend -  help you think through your answers will provide more meaningful results.  Mapping everything out on a white board or poster board is also a useful way to visualize your results.

What do you like to do?

What are you naturally good at?

What type of professions seem interesting to you?

Which type of work and work environments appeal to you?

• individually vs. collaboratively

• time of day you like to work

• big company vs. little company

• amount of travel?

• fast-paced

• deadline oriented

• office environment vs. out in the field 

• front office (client interface) vs. back office (operational or analytical work)

• manual work (work with your hands) vs. analytical work

• work with kids, general population, or elders