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Being grown up and having the freedom to *decide* is a goal that most of us have. However, once we have reached our early twenties, and we realize that we are actually getting a little freedom, it is not such an exciting prospect. Why? Because along with the freedom comes the need to make responsible decisions, ones that are likely to dictate the course that our lives will take.

Getting Closer To Graduation Day

As we get closer to graduation day, whether it is for our first or second degree, or continuing education courses, most people are faced with a bewildering question * *What do I want to do?* It is now time to be proactive and take life by the horns. The course of your life has already been decided by the courses you took and your experience * for better or for worse, they have narrowed down your choices.

The key to figuring out where you fit in professionally is to put your academic or previous working life on paper and send your resume to prospective employers. It is then that you will see how it measures up in the real world. When it comes to your employment-related skills, ask yourself - how do they compare with the jobs available on the market? Do I have what employers are looking for? If your answer is *no*, *maybe*, or if you answer your own question by the fact that you are not getting any calls for interviews - then it's time to do some reassessment * and decide if you need to bolster your skills with additional training, courses or meaningful work experience.

Once your skills are solid, you should compile a list of employers that you could approach. Why? Because jobs don*t grow on trees * you have to go after them! *Proving your worth* is the name of the game. Once you get a few interview calls, (and with any luck, a subsequent job offer), you need to decide if you are going to take the job or not. At this stage, it is imperative to make the right decision * weighing salary, potential for advancement and the type of company * to be sure that it is the right job for you. If you have to wait a while longer for a suitable job to come along, then do it * it will be better for your career progression in the long run.

It Is Wise To Seek Wise Counsel

Whatever stage of your career you are in, a sound piece of advice is to seek counsel from the *experts*, such as a career coach. Run your ideas and career options by them. A good career coach is likely to be well-informed about the current trends in the job market and is also likely to be able to tell you how a particular job choice will (or won*t) help you. A career coach works for you, so you will receive sound advice.

Whether you are changing careers or just starting out, this phase of your life is likely to be scary - but it needn*t be traumatic. By taking advantage of additional training, education and the right career guidance, you should be just fine.