Everyone has a passion in life, whether it’s sports, reading, music, nature, or the human body. Yet very few people manage to turn the thing they love into a career. More often than not, people fall into jobs and spend the majority of their lives working in the same industry. Although they may still get fulfillment and satisfaction from their work, it means they have limited time to spend pursuing their passions and enjoying the things that really make them happy.
Although people can make career changes at any stage of their life, the best time to turn your passion into your profession is when you are young and fresh out of education. Your professional life is a blank canvas, and you can paint any picture you like onto it.
To help you get started on your career journey, here are five tips to get you started.
Do your research
The first thing you need to do is research the options available to you. Simply knowing what your passion won’t get you far, as it is likely to have multiple applications. For example, a love of animals could translate into a career as a vet, animal trainer, pet groomer, dog walker, marine biologist, or circus lion tamer. You should narrow down your preferences and learn more about your chosen industry to decide if it’s really for you.
Get qualified
Once you have decided exactly where you want your passion to take you, you may need to invest in some specific training or qualifications. Depending on your chosen career you may need to undergo beauty school, veterinary college, an electrician apprenticeship, or culinary training, to name a few examples.
Build your network
The more people you know, the better your chances of succeeding in your chosen industry. Make an effort to get out there and build your network. Attend industry events, watch speakers, and reach out to people on LinkedIn. You could even ask your friends and colleagues to introduce you to their contacts. Having an extensive network will provide avenues for advice and support while opening you up to potential job opportunities.
Live the lifestyle
The best way to impress potential employers is to show them that this job is truly your passion. For that reason, you should make it your lifestyle. For example, if you want to be an astronaut, as well as getting the requisite qualifications you should spend your time reading about space travel, watching documentaries, and visiting relevant museums and space centers.
Search for jobs
Once you have the experience and training required, it’s time to start looking for work. Browse the websites of companies you’d like to work for to see if they have any vacancies matching your resume. If there is nothing listed, it’s a good idea to contact the company and ask them if they would be willing to interview you. Industry-specific job boards are another great source of opportunities, and you could also reach out to your new network of contacts to help you.
