When it comes to choosing an industry to work in, there are many variables.

Some people want to work in an industry that excites them.  Others are focused on potential compensation, advancement opportunities, or job stability.

Job seekers interested in high compensation will want to consider industries with reputations for paying well. However, if you’re currently earning a high salary and are not able to take a (short-term) pay cut, you might have to stay in your current industry or a related industry.

If you’re searching for job stability, you’ll probably want to look for an industry that has less competition, is less sensitive to the economy, and won’t be impacted by changing technology or demographics.

A practical approach to changing careers can be to concentrate on newly developing, rapidly growing fields and industries that may lack a sufficient number of skilled workers.

When making a job or career change, it might be wise to choose several industries to target so you can see where you get interviews, which ones feel exciting, and who makes job offers – so you can then make the best career decision for you.

Here are questions to consider as you explore industries:

• What are my passions, hobbies, interests, and volunteer experiences, and how do they correlate with potential industries? Reflect on your activities outside of work to identify industries that align with what you enjoy and care about.
• What topics do I find myself reading about often, and which industries are related to these subjects? Your reading habits can reveal a lot about your areas of interest and point you toward industries that engage with these topics.
• Do I have connections in certain industries through friends or acquaintances who are well-positioned? Consider how your network might provide insight or entry points into industries where you have personal connections.
• What are my strongest skills, and which industries place a high value on them? Evaluate your professional skills and competencies to determine industries where your abilities are in demand.
• What are my values and how do they align with potential industries? Understanding your values can help you find industries that match your ethical and professional standards.
• What work environment do I thrive in? Consider whether you prefer fast-paced and dynamic settings, structured and stable environments, or flexible and remote work opportunities.
• What is my desired work-life balance? Some industries are notorious for long hours, while others are more conducive to a balanced lifestyle.
• What are my long-term career goals? Look for industries that offer growth opportunities that align with where you want to be in the future.
• How important is job security to me? Research industries known for stability and growth, especially in uncertain economic times.
• What level of income do I need or aspire to? Make sure your target industry can meet your financial needs and goals.
• Am I willing to relocate or travel for my job? Some industries may require you to be flexible with your location or to travel frequently.
• How much do I value creativity and innovation in my work? If these are important to you, look for industries that are at the forefront of creativity and innovation.
• What impact do I want to have through my work? If making a difference is important to you, consider industries that are closely linked to social causes or advancements that you value.
• Am I open to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies? Industries that are rapidly evolving will require you to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.

Note: Be sure to see the training video below that shows a very easy and quick way to see if the job titles that appeal to you are in the industries that you want to target

Here are some resources and strategies to gain insights into various industries:

1. Industry Reports and Market Analysis: Websites like IBISWorld and Statista offer in-depth reports on various industries, including trends, challenges, and forecasts. These can provide a comprehensive overview of the state and future prospects of different sectors.
2. Professional Associations: Join industry-specific associations can provide access to resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights through events, webinars, and publications.
3. Networking Events and Conferences: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet professionals and learn firsthand about current trends and opportunities.
4. LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and engage with content. This platform is also great for networking and learning from the experiences of others in your fields of interest.
5. Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals working in industries you’re interested in for informational interviews. These conversations can offer personal insights into the industry and advice on how to enter the field.
6. Online Courses and Webinars: Platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer courses and webinars taught by industry experts. They can be a great way to gain foundational knowledge or advanced skills related to a specific sector.
7. Industry Blogs and Podcasts: Follow blogs and listen to podcasts that focus on the industries you’re interested in. They can provide current news, expert opinions, and case studies.
8. Company Websites and Careers Pages: Explore the websites and careers pages of companies within industries of interest. They often share insights about the industry, company culture, and specific roles.
9. Industry Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters that focus on industry news and trends. Many industry-specific publications offer newsletters that summarize the latest developments.
10. Social Media and Forums: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and industry-specific forums can be valuable for real-time discussions, Q&A sessions, and insights from both leaders and peers in the industry.

Using a combination of these resources can provide a well-rounded understanding of various industries, helping job seekers identify where their interests, skills, and values align with potential career opportunities.

Watch this short training video to learn a very easy and quick way to see if the job titles that appeal to you are in the industries that you want to target: