Writing about career planning continuously exposes me to a huge variety of occupations, some about which I know very little. While I love what I do for a living, I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I were doing something else. How many times have I thought to myself, "Wow, that sounds interesting. I bet that's something I would like," when I begin to explore a career. Then I go back to doing what I was doing, and realize I really enjoy my work and wouldn't trade it for anything

When it comes to career options, there are so many from which to choose. Although it can be overwhelming if you are in the midst of making a decision, consider yourself lucky there are so many possibilities. But, it does mean you'll have to do quite a bit of investigating in order to narrow down your choices.

More: Career Briefs: Occupational Information

Environmental scientists go to work each day with a primary goal in mind: to protect the environment. They conduct research in order to find ways to identify and then eliminate pollutants and other things that can harm the environment or be hazardous to the population. Most employers will hire only candidates who have earned a master's degree in environmental science, hydrology or a related natural science. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition).

To get basic details about this occupation, read Environmental Scientist: Career Information. For more in-depth information, interview someone who works in this field. If you don't know anyone, perhaps someone on your network does. For help deciding whether this career is a good fit for you, take the Should You Become an Environmental Scientist? quiz.

When you've spent a long time looking for a job, you might be tempted to accept the first offer you get. While that's an understandable reaction, it's not a good idea. You must first decide if the job you've been offered is right for you. It is better to have to keep looking—particularly since you have some momentum going— than it is to start your search all over again if, after a few months, you decide that the job wasn't a good fit after all.

While it's true that the perfect job probably doesn't exist, you should try to find one that is as close to perfect for you as possible. There are certain criteria you should always consider when you are deciding whether to say "yes" to a prospective employer. Find out what they are. Read How to Evaluate a Job Offer.

Last month my family and I visited the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. If you're ever in the DC area, I recommend you go. It was a fun and educational way to spend a few hours. Interesting facts about spying were displayed on panels in the museum 's lobby. The one that jumped out at me, of course, had to do with careers. It stated that prior to September 11, 2001, an average of 110 people per day applied for jobs with the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Six days after that terrible day, on September 17, 1,100 people applied to the CIA. That is an incredible increase, but I was just astounded to see the original figure of 110 applicants. It got me thinking about spying careers.

Although career information on the website of The National Clandestine Service (NCS) of the CIA never mentions the word "spies," it is obvious that that is what its employees are. For example, if you were to follow one career path and become a core collector, you would recruit and handle foreign sources of human intelligence. Recruit and handle foreign sources of intelligence? Sounds like spying to me. There are other career paths, but all revolve around that function in some way. If you are interested in being a spy, you might want to consider a career with the NCS. Read Do You Want to Be a Spy?

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