How to find a fulfilling career

One way University of Phoenix helps students and graduates answer that perennial question, “What would be a fulfilling career for me?” is by working through the UOPX Career Interest Assessment available through the Career Navigator™ tool. This assessment poses a variety of questions aligned to six categories of work (realistic, investigative, social, artistic, enterprising and conventional) and are designed to plumb the depths of each job seeker’s interests.

Beyond that, job seekers might also ask themselves about what they need in their work environment. For example, is it important to you to be in a supportive environment? Is it important to get a lot of recognition from your work?

Roper also sees the desire to achieve meaningful work look slightly different across generations. Gen Xers (who are midcareer) and millennials (who are approaching that midpoint) are “revisiting this whole career exploration and truly seeking work that speaks to them,” she says.

Generation Z, meanwhile, tends to approach career exploration from a different mindset. As Roper says, “They’ve seen their parents in these unfulfilling careers and in workaholic mode.” They have learned by example that they want flexibility for better work-life balance and a salary that allows them to pursue personal growth and hobbies.

If you don’t have an assessment tool to identify a good career path, Roper recommends asking yourself the following questions and maybe talking through your answers with a mentor, peer or career advisor:

• What tasks and activities make you feel energized and fulfilled?
• What have others complimented you on or asked for help with?
• What type of work environment suits you? Do you prefer collaborative or independent work? Fast paced and exciting or steady and predictable?

“Once people become really clear on who they are and the type of work that speaks to them, that helps us better inform,” says Roper.

The next step in finding a fulfilling career may be to research companies or organizations that align with your values. As UOPX alumnus Scott Andrews (BSB, 2007) points out, you should really dig into the ethos behind the image.

“Extensively do your homework on the organization, its leadership team, your immediate supervisor and the governing board, if applicable,” he says. “Be very intentional on locating their mission, vision and values statements.”

Currently the county manager for Doña Ana County in New Mexico and the founder of the nonprofit organization The Violet Movement, Andrews considers local government not just a career but also his calling. This is at least partly due to the fact that his ethics and values center on positively impacting his community.

Roper also encourages talking to others in your field of interest and researching across the internet. “Go to Glassdoor, the company website,” she says. “Really dig in on LinkedIn^® and try to find what other people are saying about this company and what other people are saying about this role.”

If you get an interview at one of your desired organizations, ensure your resumé aligns with the position and the company. Then, get ready to shine in the interview.

“Make sure you stand out to the employer,” advises Andrews. “A big part of that process is sharing your ethics, values and passion in your cover letter and in the initial interview.”

If possible, include a real example of alignment in your cover letter or during your interview, Andrews adds. “Even if you are not specifically asked about your ethics or values, you should make sure to work in your why and your guiding principle in your interview [answers],” he says.

Doing your research ahead of time reduces the risk of landing in a role that isn’t a good fit, but there is never a 100% guarantee. If you find that, despite your best efforts, your new job isn’t quite the fulfilling career you imagined, don’t be afraid to recalibrate.

“You can always go back and find something else or find a different route, because it’s not a linear path,” Roper says. “[Career exploration] is a journey. It bends and it twists and goes up and it goes down.”

So, be curious! Ask questions of yourself and others. Do the deep work of self-reflection. The result may not be set in stone, but the direction of your career path will be better positioned to bring you professional fulfillment.

When it comes to building your fulfilling career, University of Phoenix students and graduates aren’t alone. Explore the following resources:

• Career Services for Life® commitment : Available to UOPX students and graduates, this offering comprises complimentary career coaching, including guidance on how to build a personal brand and write a resumé.
• Free career resources : Browse a range of downloadable guides and templates to help you optimize your LinkedIn^® profile, get ready for a job interview and write a resumé and cover letter.
• Career With Confidence™ newsletter : Get career insights every week via UOPX’s LinkedIn newsletter.

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