pe the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be Do you remember when career exploration was playing make-believe? At any given time you could switch from being a master chef to a brain surgeon to an archeologist with just the change of a costume. If only choosing a career were as easy as a wardrobe change.

Career exploration involves research, observation, experimentation and relationship building. And although stressful at times, it can be fun and exciting. You just need to develop the right approach to the process of looking for the right career.

Narrow career options

One of the biggest mistakes young adults make in career exploration is giving themselves too many choices. The average person has a few natural skills that can translate into a career. If you don't have an aptitude for science, you will not do well in medicine, even if you have always dreamt of being a doctor. Identify your natural talents and find careers that utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are extremely patient and good at explaining things in simple terms, a career in teaching, tutoring or early child care might be a great fit.

Choose a career with longevity

Technology has continued to shape the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be a

, observation, experimentation and relationship building. And although stressful at times, it can be fun and exciting. You just need to develop the right approach to the process of looking for the right career.

Narrow career options

One of the biggest mistakes young adults make in career exploration is giving themselves too many choices. The average person has a few natural skills that can translate into a career. If you don't have an aptitude for science, you will not do well in medicine, even if you have always dreamt of being a doctor. Identify your natural talents and find careers that utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are extremely patient and good at explaining things in simple terms, a career in teaching, tutoring or early child care might be a great fit.

Choose a career with longevity

Technology has continued to shape the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be

make in career exploration is giving themselves too many choices. The average person has a few natural skills that can translate into a career. If you don't have an aptitude for science, you will not do well in medicine, even if you have always dreamt of being a doctor. Identify your natural talents and find careers that utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are extremely patient and good at explaining things in simple terms, a career in teaching, tutoring or early child care might be a great fit.

Choose a career with longevity

Technology has continued to shape the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be

and find careers that utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are extremely patient and good at explaining things in simple terms, a career in teaching, tutoring or early child care might be a great fit.

Choose a career with longevity

Technology has continued to shape the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be

pe the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career options you choose from careers that will be around for a while.

A great place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, there are some careers that will experience tremendous growth during the next decade. Although you might not be interested in a particular job, you might find that your skills are still needed in the specific industry.

The ten hottest careers for college graduates are network systems and data communications analysts; physician assistants; medical records and health information technicians; computer software engineers, applications; computer software engineers, systems software; physical therapist assistants; fitness trainers and aerobics instructors; database administrators; veterinary technologists and technicians; and dental hygienists.

Get a closer look with internships

Now that you have a clearer picture of what career piques your interest, dive in! You will need first-hand knowledge to make a well-informed decision. The best way to find out what a career really entails is to find an internship. Internships allow you the opportunity to work in your desired field, exposing you to the reality of the job, not the glamour that many careers enjoy.