IDEAS Framework Phase 1: Introspection | Industry Mapping

 Dreaming big about your career can be a powerful way to uncover your true passions and align them with real-world opportunities. By asking yourself the right questions, you can start to map out the industries and job types that excite you. Below are ten thought-provoking questions designed to help you explore your interests and identify potential career paths. 

BEWARE…this is where most people self-sabotage and limit themselves. “Oh that’s not possible for someone like me!” This exercise is a chance to dream big and believe that anything is possible. At least let that idea guide your answers.

Let’s begin:

1. What activities give you energy and excitement? Think about the activities that make you lose track of time and fill you with enthusiasm. These moments of flow can be key indicators of where your passions lie and might lead you toward industries that align with these interests.

2. If you only had one month to live and all the money in the world, what would you do? This question helps strip away the practicalities and focuses on what truly brings you joy. The answers might point toward industries or roles that could offer you deeper satisfaction.

3. When you were a kid, what did you always dream of doing as a job? Reconnecting with your childhood dreams can reveal long-held interests. Whether those dreams still resonate or not, they can offer insights into industries or roles that could be a good fit.

4. If you could start a business or career tomorrow and guarantee success, what would you do?Without the fear of failure, your imagination is free to explore industries or job types you might not have considered realistic before.

5. What jobs always felt unrealistic or out of reach? Identifying roles that seemed unattainable might point to hidden desires or untapped potential. These could be worth exploring further.

6. What do you do for fun in your spare time? Your hobbies and leisure activities often align with certain industries. Exploring careers within those fields can turn your passions into a profession.

7. What classes did you enjoy in high school? The subjects you loved in school might reveal key skills and interests that align with specific industries.

8. Ask three different people what they could see you doing for a job and why. Getting an outside perspective can highlight strengths and qualities you might not recognize in yourself, guiding you toward industries where you could thrive.

9. What skills or personality traits do they see in you that apply to those types of jobs? Understanding how others perceive your strengths can help you identify industries where these traits are valued.

10. What are your five favorite accounts on social media (excluding comedy and famous people)?  The content you consume says a lot about your interests. Analyzing your favorite accounts can provide clues about the industries that fascinate you.

By carefully considering your answers to these questions, you can start to see patterns that point toward specific industries or job types. What industry keeps coming up for you?

Now, based on what you know about your core skills and a potential job type that fits you, start researching those jobs in your chosen industry.  Dream big, and let your imagination guide you toward a fulfilling future.

We’d love to have you join us in one of our 5-week virtual guided group coaching cohorts at The Academy. More info here!