Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions that we make in our lifetime. And the fact that we need to decide on a career at a fairly young age makes the process even more difficult. It also means that the chances of making a mistake are that much higher.

A few things that can help you reach the right decision are discussing your options with friends and family, seeking help from career counselors, collecting as much information as possible about the college degree programs you’re interested in, etc. However, the last word on which career path you walk lies with you. Here are some tips that will help you choose the right career.

Interest: A career is something that usually stays with you for the rest of your working life. That is why it makes sense to follow your heart and do something you are passionate about. If you feel strongly about helping people and be a caregiver, then you may thrive as a healthcare professional. You can choose from a range of healthcare degrees such as respiratory therapy, healthcare administration, medical specialties, etc.

Similarly, if your interest lies in number crunching and handling an organization’s finances, then a degree in accounting is more appropriate for you. As an accountant, you’ll be responsible for handling finances of organizations in the corporate, social, or government sector.

Aptitude: While choosing a career that you find interesting is important, equally significant is to assess whether you have the aptitude to succeed in a given profession. For example, you may find graphic designing very interesting, but if you lack the creativity required to flourish as a graphic artist, you may find it difficult to stick to that career. On the other hand, if you have a flair for art, then pursuing a degree in graphic arts can open a world of exciting opportunities for you.

Job prospects: This is a more practical aspect of choosing a career. A thorough investigation of job prospects of a given field is required before you enroll in any college degree program. Healthcare and computer science are examples of fields that have enormous job potential.

With enterprises relying heavily on technology, the demand for skilled computer professionals has grown. Degrees such as computer science, computer networking & technology, and computer programming will make you competent for various IT jobs in a fast-paced environment. Many universities offer accelerated degree programs in computers that can be earned in much lesser time.

Earning potential: Money is central to making a decision about our career. Therefore, you are advised to evaluate the earning potential of the career of your choice. It is hardly a secret that you can make big bucks as an accountant or a manager in a business unit such as sales & marketing, human resources, operations, etc.

According to the Department of Labor, the average annual income of a salaried administrative services manager in May 2006 was $67,690. To enter this lucrative profession, you can choose from a range of business degree programs such as business administration, business management & accounting, occupational studies in business, etc.

Flexibility: If you among those who prefer a job that allows them to work flexible hours, then you can consider a career in healthcare, computer science, or graphic designing. Besides offering flexible schedules, jobs in these fields allow telecommuting and freelancing.