7 Ways Students Can Explore Career Options
While students today are likely to have multiple job and career changes, committing to the wrong career path can be costly and time consuming. That’s why you need to explore your options carefully before making any decisions.
These tips will help you choose the best career for you.
1. List your interests and values
You’ll gain more fulfillment and success if you choose a career in a field you’re interested in. It’s helpful to write a list of your skills, interests and values, then create a list of careers that match.
Ask yourself what career you’d choose if money, skills and education weren’t an issue. This will give you an idea of where your true interests lie.
2. Look at all the options
If your dream job is to be a musician, but you can’t even play an instrument, don’t give up. There are a wide variety of jobs in the music industry that might be suitable, from event planners and make-up artists through to accountants and programmers.
When you have your heart set on a particular industry, your next step is to find a career in the industry that’s a good fit for you.
3. Take an online aptitude test
Online aptitude tests are fun and can give you insights into what careers might be good for you. The Australian government’s Job Outlook quiz is a great place to start.
While aptitude tests are helpful, they are designed to give a general idea only of suitable careers. Ultimately, you need to make the choice about what path to follow based on a range of considerations.
4. Meet with a career counsellor
A career counsellor can give advice about study requirements and job prospects in different industries. They can help you work out what field you’re best suited to and outline the skills needed for different jobs.
It’s beneficial to have an idea of your future career when choosing senior subjects at school, but don’t feel worried if you haven’t decided yet. You have plenty of time to think about what you want to do, and there are many different pathways to your chosen career.
5. Learn from other people’s experiences
Parents, relatives and teachers have much wisdom to share when it comes to careers, so talk to them about their own job history and choices. You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences.
It’s also a good idea to talk to people working in the fields you’re interested in. They can give you a realistic idea of what the job entails and how they got into the industry.
6. Consider volunteer work and internships
Talking to people is terrific but the best way to find out what’s involved in a job is by getting some practical experience. Keep your eyes open for internship and volunteer opportunities for students in your chosen areas.
If there’s nothing advertised, you can contact employers directly and offer your services. While it’s very beneficial to get on-the-job experience, make sure you’re learning about your chosen career and not just being exploited as free labour.
7. Research careers of the future
Many of the careers which will be available in the future are not yet established. You can stay a step ahead by researching trends and looking into which industries are set to grow.
By staying up to date with the outlook for different careers and industries, you’ll set yourself up for success.
These steps will help you make smart decisions about your future.