This could be something you enjoyed doing as a child, such as drawing or writing, which could then lead to a dream job in the arts like graphic design or creative writing. Maybe you loved building structures with legos as a kid, which could lead to a dream career as an architect or a builder. You should also consider activities you do now on your off time that you enjoy, such as a recreational sport or a hobby. If you love playing hockey for example, you may consider getting into the retail sport business or starting your own hockey club. You may be doing certain skills or roles in your current job that you enjoy and may want to leverage as ways to transition into a dream job. If you like the people management side of your current role, for example, you may want to consider a career in human relations or a more people focused role.
Identify at least two individuals you respect or admire. Think about why you admire them. What characteristics do they possess that you admire or appreciate? Think about what you would change or shift in your community. This could be a small issue or a larger issue. Consider what issues or problems get you the most riled up when you talk to others. Try to identify any themes or common ideas in your answers to these guiding questions. These could then be your personal values, which can help you identify your priorities in life. You can use these priorities to get a better sense of what your dream job might entail.
Create a schedule for your personal goals so you are motivated to achieve them. Depending on how complex or simple the goals are, you may have different timeframes for each personal goal.
Use a prompt to do this exercise: “Think about your life in the future. Everything in your life has gone as well as it possibly could. You have achieved your life goals and realized your dreams. Write down what you see. ” Write to this prompt three days in a row for 20 minutes a day. On the fourth day, read over your responses. Underline or circle any themes, goals, or ideas that appear multiple times in all three writing responses. These repeating ideas could be useful guides for where your passions might lie and how you can achieve them.
For example, if you already have a background in human resources and have several years experience working closely with others in teams, you may be able to translate these skills into practical skills for a dream job working as an HR representative. If you have extensive knowledge of hockey and strong connections to individuals in the sports community in your area, you may be able to lean on these skills to start your own hockey club.
Do an online search of the educational requirements for a particular role or job and talk to a career advisor at your school. If your dream job is to be a dolphin trainer, for example, you should get a good sense of the educational requirements and the skillset required to qualify for the position. You can then decide if you would like to pursue the career and enroll in the necessary degree program. You can also ease into your new career by keeping your full-time job and taking night classes that will help you get one step closer to your dream. Over time, you may ask your employer for a work schedule that allows you to go to school part time and gain the education you need for your new, dream career.
If your dream job is to be a forensic psychologist, for example, you may realize you have several skills or traits that may help you become successful in the role. You may have strong problem solving skills, strong observational skills, and excellent people skills. Having these skills may give you a leg up on others who are also pursuing your dream job.
You should also ask the mentor, teacher, or professional about the most important thing they have learned in their role and how it has helped them to become successful. Find out more about what you can do to get to where they are and to achieve your dream job.
These professional associations can also offer continuing education courses to further your skills and networking sessions where you can get to know potential employers, bringing you one step closer to achieving your dream role.
You may qualify for internships or fellowships once you complete the education required for your dream job or you may be able to apply for an internship or a fellowship based on your existing skillset and education. Volunteer roles are also good ways of getting some first hand experience and training, especially if you still exploring your dream role and do not yet have the educational requirements for the role.
It may also be useful to talk to your supervisor or boss at the end of your internship about possible part time or full time positions at the organization. Even a small part time role could lead to a more extensive position and help you get one step closer to your dream job.
If your dream job is to be a dolphin trainer, for example, you should list any educational experience that relates to the role and any hands on experience you have working with animals, even if the animals are not dolphins. If you belong to a marine mammal trainer association, you should also make note of this to show employers that you are part of the community and are actively involved in the field.
