At Execu|Search, placing high quality professionals in careers within a diverse range of industries is our bread and butter.  Unfortunately, not everyone has discovered the profession that provides their life with a sense of professional fulfillment.  Therefore, whether you are unemployed or simply not satisfied with your current job, we’re here to help!  Here are some tips we have compiled on successfully attaining your dream career:

1. Figure out what exactly your dream job is.  It should be that perfect blend of something you are passionate about, have talent for, and could imagine doing in the long-term.  Think about some of the activities you love, and consider what you like about them and how they translate to the professional sphere.  Trust yourself—don’t pick a job simply because it’s desirable among your peers or you feel like it’s what’s expected of you.  It may take years to figure out what it is that you want to do in the long-term, but don’t get discouraged!
2. Be willing to work for free.  For younger professionals, this may mean taking an internship.  While it may not be financially feasible for everyone, internships offer great real-world work experience and connections.  If an internship isn’t an option, there are other ways to get your work out there—whether it’s volunteering in the evenings, starting your own blog or personal website, or creating mockups of the kind of work you would like to do, working without compensation conveys how serious you are about your chosen career.
3. Find a mentor (or several!).  Seek out successful professionals in your chosen field who will let you pick their brains.  Professional mentors can give you consistent advice and help you envision and execute the necessary steps toward your career goals.  Try reaching out to potential mentors by inviting them to connect on LinkedIn.
4. Get specific, and begin carving out your niche.  In today’s hiring environment, experts are much more valuable than generalists.  Pick a specialty that you enjoy and show aptitude for, combining skill sets when possible.  For example, if you’re in medical school and enjoy spending time with children, pediatrics is an obvious choice.  However, picking a subdivision of pediatrics based on your talents will increase your value when it comes to getting a job.
5. Make a plan and set realistic goals.  If your dream job is to manage a Hedge Fund in the future, but you are fresh out of college and have no experience, perhaps an internship in finance is the next logical step in your career path.
6. There’s you—and then there’s your brand.  Make sure that your internet presence reflects the most positive, professional, and proactive version of yourself.  Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and your Facebook page appropriate.  Follow professional mentors and role models via social media in order to stay current in your field.
7. Network, network, network.  It’s your job, and no one can do it for you.  The best part?  You can network from anywhere!  While social media makes connecting easier, nothing beats face-to-face conversation.  Join local networking groups, volunteer with nonprofits, and get your name on peoples’ minds.
8. Stay flexible and keep busy.  Don’t overlook a job just because it doesn’t quite fit in your career path.  Because for all you know, you might learn something new about yourself—a professional strength you didn’t know you had, or even a task that you realize you should avoid in the future.  Employers are harder on candidates who have been unemployed for an extended period of time, and unemployment can lead to stagnation.  If you find yourself in a less than ideal employment situation, keep job searching and maintain your presence in your desired field by blogging or volunteering.
9. Persistence is a virtue.  Be aware that there are always a lot of qualified professionals in a given applicant pool, and that rejection is not a true reflection of your value.  Set your sights on several jobs at a time instead of just one particular position.  Remember, many different routes can lead to the same destination.

One thing to keep in mind is that pursuing a dream job may not be realistic for everyone.  If you feel you are too embedded in your current industry or cannot risk the financial instability that inevitably comes with switching careers, there are other ways to fulfill your dreams.  Consider volunteering to gain exposure in a certain field, or applying to join the board of a nonprofit.