The whole reason behind attending college is that your education will prepare you for a career that you will spend the better part of 20 years in. However, not every college student knows what career path is best for them.

That is why it is very important for any future college student to use the resources available, such as the College Network, to help them access their actual interest.  Below are five questions that you need to ask yourself when choosing a career:

What am I passionate about?

Your primary reason for working is to make money, but there is no need for you to select a career that makes you miserable. Studies have shown that job unhappiness can cause mental and physical health problems. If you choose a career in something that you have a passion for, you can rest assured that you work life will be meaningful and rewarding.

What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Your strengths and weaknesses will determine how far you go in your career. College students who pursue a career in something that they do not have the skills for are setting themselves up for failure. For example, it does not make sense for students who are weak in the areas of math and science to major in engineering.

How well do I handle stress?

There is no such thing as a job that is totally stress-free. However, there are some jobs that are much more stressful than others. Firefighters, event coordinators and corporate executives have some of the most stressful jobs in America. If you do not handle stress well, you may want to consider a more laid-back career, such as dental hygiene or medical laboratory technology.

Is this career promising?

The economy is recovering, but it still has a long way to go. As a result, there are some jobs that are slowly, but surely, becoming obsolete. You want to make sure that you select a career that has a promising job growth. Nursing, medicine, law enforcement and education are examples of professions that will always be needed.

What is my personality like?

Your personality is certainly something that you want to consider when selecting a career. If you are an introvert, you may want to choose a career that allows you to work by yourself, such as an accounting or science. Physical therapy and sales managing are two careers that are ideal for extroverts.

Your passion, strengths and weaknesses, stress level and personality, are some of the things that you need to consider when deciding on a degree program that will ultimately lead to a career. You also need to make sure that you choose a career that has promising job growth. If you have any questions about choosing a career, do not hesitate to join a college network.

This was a guest post for TheEmployable