What Do You Want?

In a recent episode of the Oprah Winfrey show, Phillip C. McGraw, PhD (Dr. Phil), an expert in the strategy and management of life, silenced his audience when he asked a simple question that he promised would change the rest of their lives - "What do you want?" Dr. Phil then explained that answering this question would help one determine the steps he/she must take to manifest that desire. Though it may appear to be a question that we could all easily answer correctly, it is in fact a very challenging one that deserves much thought and self-evaluation.

Not only is this a valuable question when assessing relationships, it also relates to every area of our lives, including our career choices. In her presentation-Determining Your Career Path-at the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science 2001 annual meeting, Eileen Carreiro, MS, CLS(NCA), professor, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, explained that one's career path, or "accumulation of increasingly challenging but satisfying job positions," begins when he/she decides exactly where his career destination is, or as Dr. Phil candidly phrased it, "what you want." Your professional goals must be well thought-out and well organized, Carreiro said. Often, the root of disgruntled, dissatisfied employees is simply the lack of career evaluation. Interview Yourself According to Carreiro, the process of deciding one's career path begins with an in-depth self-analysis. Sit down with a pen and pad and ask yourself a series of questions that will help you arrive at the career choices that will best suit your personality and personal goals. She suggested that you begin with questions such as: What do you enjoy? (professionally as well as personally); What are your skills?; What are your talents?; Which work situations have you enjoyed most and which have you disliked the most? After evaluating your skills and the most enjoyable work environment for you, Carreiro recommends that you incorporate a "time study" into your self-analysis. Take a look at the things on your list that you enjoy or that you consider pleasant experiences and from that information, determine what your values are. Finally, compare the things on your list of values with the things that you invest your time in. Do they match? Your answer to this question may reveal the source of your dissatisfaction with your job position. After deciding what your skills and values are, you then determine "the job that might offer you the expression of those skills," Carreiro said. Move It OK, you've completed your self-evaluation. You know what you want, where you're going and what your abilities are. Now it's time to act. The easiest way to get started, according to Carreiro, is by simply applying a lesson from your fifth grade science class-The Scientific Method. Identify the problem. The problem is your need to advance in your career. Investigate. Find out everything you can about the position. Ask questions. Find out what it takes to succeed in the position and compare that with your qualifications. Even if there are requirements that you don't possess, don't worry. Now that you know what they are, you can pursue those skills through vehicles, such as additional training and/or continued education. Experiment. Experiment by gaining some experience in the position before making the final decision that it is the right one for you. For example, if you are interested in an administrative position and believe that you have the technical background to contribute, you may want to take on or volunteer for an administrative task. You may find that administration requires skills that you were not aware of and need to acquire, Carreiro said. Conclusion. Finally, come to a conclusion. Decide whether the career goal you've decided on is worth your pursuit. And if so, go after it. Don't let anything stand in your way. Terri Holloway is a former editorial assistant at ADVANCE.