Now that you have an understanding of who you are and what your career aspirations are, the next step to take would be, to identify the industry that will bring out the best in you. The industry (or field) you choose has a major influence on your career and the opportunities you will encounter (i.e. promotions, personal development) and your financial well-being (i.e., salary, opportunity for raises, company stock value). Your quality of life will also very much depend on the industry you choose to step into. An employee with an average capability in an attractive industry frequently earns more and enjoys a much faster career advancement than another capable employee in an unattractive industry.

Choosing an industry also influences what you become known for. Your personal brand and your expertise are related to that specific industry. For example the longer you work in an industry/field, the more difficult it will be to switch if your initial choice does not work for you anymore. You become known by and attached to that industry or occupation. Even if you are willing to take a pay cut, it may be difficult to convince your company to let you move into another function or to convince another company in an unrelated industry to hire you.