In Step 1, we explored what interests you. In Step 2, we uncovered your strengths. Now, we arrive at the bridge between "This is what I love" and "This is what will pay the bills."
Step 3 is Researching the Job Market.
One of the biggest career mistakes people make is choosing a path based solely on passion, without checking if real opportunities exist. You wouldn’t start a business without checking if people want to buy your product—so why start a career without checking if companies are hiring?
Here is your guide to validating your career choice using real-world data, so you can balance what you enjoy with what the market actually needs.
1. Look for Growing Industries (The "Rising Tide")
Don't just look for a specific job title; look for a growing industry. A rising tide lifts all boats, making promotions, salary increases, and lateral moves much easier to come by.
Instead of focusing on shrinking sectors, look for momentum. As of current trends, high-demand sectors include:
The AI Integration Layer: Not just building AI, but "AI orchestration"—roles that apply AI to marketing, law, healthcare, and operations.
The Green Economy: Sustainability consultants, renewable energy tech, and circular economy specialists.
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy: As digital infrastructure expands, the need to protect it is at an all-time high.
Specialized Healthcare: Telehealth, mental health services, and elderly care technology.
💡 Pro Tip: Search for "fastest growing industries 2025" or "future-proof careers" to see where the investment money is flowing.
2. Perform an "Automation Reality Check"
Before committing to a path, you must ask: Can this be done by an algorithm in three years?
With AI advancing rapidly, the most "future-proof" roles are those that require high-level human judgment. Avoid roles that rely entirely on repetitive tasks or predictable processes. Instead, look for careers that require:
Complex empathy and negotiation.
Strategic and creative thinking.
Adaptability in unpredictable environments.
The Future-Proof Rule: The more human judgment and interaction a role requires, the safer it tends to be.
3. Analyze Real Job Demand
Once you have identified a promising field, go deeper. Do not guess—look at the data. Use platforms like LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, and Glassdoor to analyze the market volume.
Pay attention to:
Volume: Are there 50 jobs posted this month, or 500?
Recency: How often are new roles posted?
Accessibility: Are companies hiring entry-level talent, or only seniors?
💡 Research Tip: Look at job postings from three years ago vs. today. are the requirements shifting toward managing tools rather than doing manual execution? That is a sign of where the market is headed.
4. Understand the "Real" Salary Potential
Income isn't everything, but it is a critical factor in long-term satisfaction. However, don't rely on a single number. Salary varies wildly based on location, experience, and company size.
Research the full trajectory:
The Entry-Level Floor: What is the minimum you can expect while you are learning?
The Ceiling: What do the top 10% of earners in this field make?
The Growth Curve: Does earning potential jump significantly after 3–5 years?
A role with a high starting salary but no room for growth might feel great today, but restrictive later. Look for a path with a high ceiling.
5. Validate With Real People ("The Front Line")
Numbers matter, but the best market research comes from conversations. This step reveals realities that no job description will ever show.
Try to find people on LinkedIn who are currently doing the job you want. Reach out for a quick informational chat and ask:
"Is the industry currently hiring, or is it in a 'wait-and-see' mode?"
"What is the one skill you use every day that wasn't in the job description?"
"What do you wish you knew before starting?"
The Bottom Line
Researching the market helps you bridge the gap between where you are and where the opportunity is. It turns a "leap of faith" into a "calculated move."
By aligning your Interests (Step 1) and Strengths (Step 2) with Market Demand (Step 3), you find the sweet spot: a career that is both meaningful and marketable.
Still not sure which market fits your unique profile?
Market research is easier when you know exactly what you bring to the table. The LevelShift Career Test helps you narrow down your strengths first, so you can spend your time researching the industries where you are most likely to thrive.
👉 [Take the LevelShift career test now] and let's find a path that is both meaningful and marketable.