Thinking about what you want to do
Choosing a career is a big and exciting decision. To help you choose the best one for you, there are a number of things you’ll need to explore.
- What are you like? Think about your likes and dislikes, favourite subjects, hobbies and interests.
- What do particular jobs involve? Find out the skills, experience and qualifications you may need.
- What’s happening locally with jobs? Is what you want to do available locally or will you have to move away?
The world of work is changing. Employers tend to look for people with higher-level skills and qualifications. To give yourself the best chance of finding and staying in work, you need to carry on learning and developing your skills throughout your working life. Staying in education or choosing a job with training will give you better prospects in the long-term.
Also, people with higher skills and qualifications will find it easier to move from job to job. And research also shows that people with qualifications usually earn more money than those without.
Deciding what you want to do can take a lot of time – and a lot of changes of mind. Don’t worry – this is quite normal. Tell your family and friends your ideas – they know you well and might make some interesting suggestions.
Exploring careers
To make a good decision about what career to follow will mean finding out as much as you can about different jobs.
Finding out the following will be really important:
- What exactly does the job involve? Think about the good and not so good parts.
- What sort of personal qualities are needed?
- What qualifications will be needed?
- What further learning or training is recommended?
- Are there any age restrictions?
- Does the work happen in an environment you would enjoy?
This information will help you choose a career that is really going to suit you. And will help you decide the best subjects to take and what sort of further education, higher education and/or training you will need to plan ahead for. Staying in education, or choosing a job with training, will give you better job prospects and earning potential in the long-term.
Activities such as work experience, Saturday jobs, holiday work are all great ways to find out what you like or don’t like doing. Also speak to people you know about their jobs.
The world of work is changing. Employers tend to look for people with higher-level skills and qualifications. This is especially true in industries where competition for jobs is fierce.
Also, your Connexions Personal Adviser is there to help you think everything through. Make sure you use the information resources in school or at the Connexions Centre.
Weblinks
External link: FutureFinder – a website to help you decide what you want to do and how to get there.
External link: Jobs4u database – search for career ideas. The results will get you thinking.
External link: Working in…booklets – real case studies of people saying what it’s like to do their job.
External link: Money to Learn - sources of funding for 14-19 year olds.
External link: Aimhigher – find out more about going to university.
External link: Works4me – break free from stereotypes. The world of work is full of choices – don’t limit yours!
External link: Which Way Now? – thinking about your future in Year 9
External link: It’s Your Choice – thinking more about your future in Years 10 and 11.
Publications to download
Your Way Forward – Options @16 & 17 – work and learning options.
Work Matters – what’s happening in the local labour market.
Careers - exploring careers and finding the right one for you
