3 Steps To Bring You Closer To Your Dream Job
Picture your dream job: what you’re doing, where you are, and how it makes you feel. Maybe it looks like being a banker in a New York City skyscraper. Maybe it’s creating art from the comfort of your home. Maybe it’s being out in your local community making a difference in other peoples’ lives. No matter what it looks like, it’s your dream job and it’s something you probably feel passionate about.
When it comes to getting started on your job search journey, a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always work. Everyone’s path is going to look a little bit different, and that’s okay. No matter where you’re coming from, there are ways to work towards your dream job that fit into your current job, lifestyle, and the pace you need to take.
Over the last few months, for example, I’ve started freelance writing—something I’ve always been interested in but never really got into until now. Writing has always been a hobby I swept under the rug because I figured I could never do anything “real” with it. That is, until my love for it became hard to ignore.
Little by little, I started taking steps to try and make something of my writing, even if I wasn’t sure what I was doing yet. Through the process, I realized that beginning and figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. Whatever your dream job is, I’m here to say that you can do it, too.
1. Do Your Research
Doing real research on your dream job can go a long way. We’re lucky to live in a time when any and all information can be accessed within a few clicks. A great way to begin your journey is to start by Googling the job itself. What does someone in this role typically do? What is the pay like? What kinds of skills are needed? Once you’ve got a grip on the basics, start taking notes and break down the parts of this job you want to know more about. This will help you narrow things down and show you where to focus your energy. Doing research can also lead you to other resources and professional connections that could guide you in the right direction. (For more information on networking, check out other blogs and resources on our site!)
2. Teach Yourself
Once you’ve done your research, start taking some action. Learn and practice new skills that could help you land the job. This could be anything from learning how to do graphic design to studying for a license or certification. There are tons of free resources out there like YouTube videos and blog posts that offer great advice on different jobs and industries.
In my own experience, teaching myself about writing has involved writing on my own time, listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos about different writing processes and techniques, and reading more. Taking the time to immerse yourself in parts of the job you want is crucial, whatever that looks like for you.
Think of it like this—if the job itself were a language, consider this step to be learning new words and phrases everyday in the hopes that you’ll be able to speak it fluently one day.
3. Put In The Work
You’ve done the research, strengthened your skills, and now you’re ready to make this job a reality. This could mean applying for different job listings or finally launching the business you’ve always dreamed about. If you’ve put in the work to be as “ready” as possible for your dream job, this step is your chance to prove it.
I know the thought of having to change gears and start the job process all over again sounds exhausting. It can even keep you from diving headfirst into what you really want to do—but don’t let that deter you. I often think of the experiences in my life that have been the most impactful—doing an exchange, going to college, studying abroad—but each of these things required putting in some work to make them happen. But when you keep your goal in mind, it makes it easier to keep going, because in the end, the reward will be so worth it.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog.
