Selecting the right career path is rarely straightforward. For me, it was a journey that began in a male-dominated industry where I wasn’t considered the “fit.” At 21, I stepped into my father’s business, PM Relocations, as one of the youngest and most inexperienced in the room. I often found myself amidst professionals with years of experience, and I was always the only woman in international forums. But I was determined to break through the barriers and transform the relocation industry, not just for myself but for others who didn’t see a place for themselves.

My early fascination with the industry began during childhood when I would accompany my father on his home surveys. Yet, even with this exposure, I had to dig deep into myself to determine if this was the right career path for me. The journey wasn’t just about inheriting a business; it was about making it my own, transforming the culture, and leading with a purpose. It was time for a change within the industry—more professionalism, people-centered instead of sales-centered, and most of all, an environment where workers could grow and prosper.

Here’s how I found my way in a field that wasn’t always welcoming and how I built a career that aligned with my passion for change and transformation.

1. Start with Self-Reflection

One needs to introspect about themselves and their motivations before jumping into a career. I knew it when I came to understand that just following in the footsteps of a giant like my father was not enough. I had to make this career uniquely mine and bring something new to the table.

• What motivates you?
• What skills do you bring to the table?
• What kind of challenges excite you?

My own reflection led me to the understanding that I wanted to transform the business, introducing a more organized, employee-friendly culture while maintaining the core values my father had built. This career exploration was crucial in confirming that my passion wasn’t just about relocation—it was about leading change in a male-dominated industry.

2. Leverage Career Assessments and Aptitude Tests

If you are not sure about your strengths or career avenues, take a career assessment or a career aptitude test. This will enlighten you on where your interest lies and what you can perform. In my case, as I had no formal tests, it was my leadership experiences and the interactions that I had with the customers that instilled in me confidence that I was able to do something in this industry.

Taking these steps early on can help clarify your career goals and align them with the best career path for you. Sometimes, these assessments can reveal talents or interests you hadn’t considered.

3. Explore Career Options in Depth

By looking at various fields and industries, one can discover the right career. When I started, I could easily have decided to work in a different field, one more traditionally suited to the female gender. Instead, I was passionate about being part of the relocation industry-its growth and innovation potential; not just a way of finding a career but finding a way to revolutionize the industry.

Explore internships, job shadowing, or talk to professionals in the field. These steps will give you a deeper understanding of what a career entails. For those still in school, career planning for high school students or career paths for college students can help provide clarity on what to pursue.

4. Set Clear Career Goals

Once you’ve explored your options, it’s essential to set clear, actionable career goals. I knew early on that I wanted to bring a cultural transformation to PM Relocations, focusing on both growth and employee satisfaction. These goals guided my decisions and helped me stay committed to the path I had chosen.

Set short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals that you can work toward step by step. For instance, if you want to change or advance your career, you can set a timetable for the skills, training, or experience you require.

5. Seek Guidance from Mentors

Indeed, mentorship has played a very critical role in my journey so far. I initially learned the ropes of the relocation business under my father but still sought guidance from prominent industry leaders and peers. In a very male-dominated industry, finding mentors who understood my vision of transformation was indeed vital. They helped me navigate the intricacies of business while staying on track with my goals.

Whether you are newly employed or looking for a career change, seek mentors who could avail themselves and give you advice on whatever you require and guide you on various challenges. Their insights often unveil new perspectives you might not have considered.

6. Evaluate Career Satisfaction

As a function of making a career decision, I needed to consider what would inspire long-term satisfaction. It wasn’t about how much more money I could make or how large the company grew; it was about people wanting to feel valued and inspired by the culture of the business. This drive for career satisfaction helped me shape the business according to my vision, and I believe it’s a crucial consideration for anyone choosing a path.

You might want to take a career satisfaction quiz or evaluate how your potential job aligns with your values. A career that brings daily fulfillment will keep you motivated through challenges

7. Be Open to Change

Your career path may not always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be open to adjustments, new opportunities, and growth. Transformation at PM Relocations for me wasn’t a phenomenon that came overnight; it was more of a constant improvement, resistance, and adaptation to changes in the industry.

Don’t be afraid to pivot if your current path doesn’t feel right. Career growth often comes from embracing change rather than resisting it. If you are looking for a career change, ensure you give yourself enough flexibility to try new things yet keep focused on your long-term goals.

8. Expose Your Curiosity Through Internships and Projects

If you’re still uncertain about the right career path, testing the waters through internships, volunteering, or short-term projects can help. In my case, my early experiences observing my father’s work gave me insight into what the industry was about. But once I entered the business, I took on projects that allowed me to develop my leadership skills and build the team I envisioned.

Hands-on experiences will give you a better understanding of whether a field or role is the right fit for you. It’s always better to try and learn early rather than commit to a career that doesn’t satisfy you.

9. Trust Yourself and Lead the Way

Ultimately, choosing the right career is about trusting yourself and having the courage to make bold decisions. My relocation journey has not been easy at all. I used to struggle hard to make my stand for leadership in a man-dominated space, but I kept my eye on the vision of transformation. Today, PM Relocations is living proof of what can be achieved when one trusts his instincts and stays glued to his goals.

Whether one is a student planning their future or a person considering changing their current career, that route that you will choose will evolve. Face the challenge, seek advice, and always keep in mind your long-term objectives.

Choosing the right career path is about more than just making a practical decision—it’s about finding something that aligns with your values, strengths, and passions. My path was one of transformation, both for myself and the industry I stepped into. If you’re navigating your own career exploration, take the time to reflect, seek guidance, and set clear goals that lead you toward satisfaction and success. In the end, the only limitations are the ones you acknowledge.