How to Decide on a Career

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ― Confucius

Many students find that after finishing their A Levels or studies at college, they are unsure on which career path to follow. Your parents and frіеnds will have undoubtedly given you their suggestions and ideas, but you may still find yourself at a loss.

Know Thyself

One of the first things to consider when thinking about a career path is what your current strengths and passions are. By choosing a career that plays to your strengths, you’ll most likely have an easier time. If you can choose a career that you enjoy, or works in sync with your passions, then you will find yourself enjoying work – again making life much easier.

Look at What’s Required

Once you have given some thought to your strengths and passions, then you should have a few more ideas regarding your career choice. A great follow up step is to compare the differing requirements of particular careers, as few, if any, careers will place in in at a high level without you first attaining qualifications or gaining relevant experience.

Consider Your Career Options Carefully

When thinking about a career, be sure to remember the preparation involved in entering the career. What is more important for a particular role, hands on practical experience or academic qualifications? If it’s the former, will you need to spend a few years in a lower position to learn the ropes? If so, then you should put some thought into how you can get that experience. You may find that you can gain experience via an internship position or via volunteering and that in doing so, you can gain a head start.

Choose the Right Degree

Will you need to obtain a specialised qualification such as a university degree? For example, teachers need to have a relevant degree, followed by a postgraduate course, such as the PGSE. If you do need to earn a degree, in what field must it be in and what qualifications will you need to enter onto the degree course?

Don’t Be Disheartened if Things Don’t Go to Plan

If you haven’t got enough UCAS points or lack the qualifications, generally, that are needed to get into university, don’t be disheartened. You can very quickly pick up the required A Levels that you need, either by attendance in a college or via distance learning, often in one year or less. Additionally, mature students are becoming increasingly common at university and can benefit from increased life experience.

Stay Flexible

Finally, remember that starting on a career does not confine you to that career forever, as there are always opportunities to re-educate yourself in preparation for a career change.

Haven’t made your mind up on what you want to do? See our pick of a few of the best (less well-known) companies to to work for.

Image credit – Revtank Outtakes