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, favourites 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. This is especially true in industries where competition for jobs is fierce.
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. 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: 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
Your Way Forward – Options @16 & 17 – work and learning options.
Work Matters – what’s happening in the local labour market.
