3 Steps to Future-Proof Your Career: The Essential Guide to Role Research
Ready to make your next career move with total confidence? Before you jump in, there's one simple step many people skip that could save you years of regret: Role Research.
Indeed, with AI changing the labour market as we know it, this step has become more important than ever before. Nobody wants to start a 3-year degree just to realize that their profession no longer exists upon graduation.
So, let's dive into the practical tips you'll need to research your next role:
1.🔍 Digging into the Details: What the Role Looks Like
When considering a professional path, it’s vital to research the present and future characteristics of the role, along with its adaptability. Different professions open up a diverse range of career opportunities, some wilder than others.
So, what information should you be looking for? Here are a few questions I hope serve you as an inspiration:
A Day in the Position:
What tasks would you be doing regularly?
What challenges are common in this field?
What does a typical workday look like?
How do professionals in this role manage stress and work-life balance?
Are any certifications or qualifications strictly required?
Future of the Profession/Job Role:
What trends or technologies are shaping this field?
Is demand for this role increasing or declining?
How might this profession change in the next 5–10 years?
What threats (like automation or AI) could impact it? How?
Versatility of the Profession/Job Role:
What are the different roles or career paths within this field?
Could you move between industries or functions over time?
Can this profession be adapted to different life stages, countries, or personal goals?
A Note on Versatility: Versatile professions are generally more adaptable and open more opportunities than single-industry roles.
2. đź“ž Talk to the Experts: Gather Real-World Feedback
The Internet is the number one source of information for many people, and you can certainly find job descriptions that give you an idea of a role’s present characteristics.
However, talking directly to people who already work in the field will give you honest, practical insights. A short interview can give you firsthand information and valuable details impossible to find online.
Your secret weapon is talking to people! Try to connect with 2–3 professionals for a quick 10–15 minute chat. If you can't identify someone from your current network, try reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Many people will be willing to help if you send a genuine invitation explaining how much you appreciate their opinion.
Aim to contact professionals that are in different stages of their professional pathway.
A junior professional can give you great information about the daily tasks and challenges you will face immediately.
A senior professional can give valuable tips on how to succeed and a better understanding of the changes the profession has already been through and where it's heading.
During the interview, apart from the questions above, you can also consider asking some of the following to get more personalized insights:
What do you enjoy most? Least?
In your opinion, what are the main pros and cons of this work?
Is there any advice you wish someone would have given to you before you started?
How was your particular career journey into this profession?
Is there any course or qualification you recommend I take, even if it's not strictly required?
3. ✨ The Final Check-In: Evaluating Your Personal Fit
Having done your research and with your inner compass (values, strengths, and goals) in mind, it is time to bring everything together and reflect deeply. I invite you to write down your final reflection having the following prompts as a guide:
What genuinely draws me to this profession/job role — and why?
How well does this path reflect my long-term goals, values, and lifestyle vision?
Am I choosing this from inner alignment or external pressure (family expectations, fear, comparison)?
What are the pros and cons, based on what I now know?
How will this role shape not just my work — but my sense of self and daily life?
You've armed yourself with real data and real insights. Don't wait—take this knowledge and confidently take that next step toward a future you’ve personally verified and designed. Your best role is waiting!