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Most young people feel unsure about what they might do in the future. This is a pretty normal reaction to the changes we face as we grow older and to the decisions we have to make.
The following steps will help you get started on your career journey.
Step 1 Understand career decision-making
- Career decision-making isn’t magic.
- It is a process during which you have to do some homework.
- No one else can make the decision for you (Would you want them to?)
- The career decision you are making now probably isn’t a life long decision, as you are likely to have several occupations during your working lifetime.
- There is not one ‘ideal’ job for you. There may be several occupations that will give you what you want from work.
Step 2 Look inwards
What do you want from a job? Think about it. Do you want to:
- Work with other people or by yourself?
- Work outdoors or indoors?
- Sit at a desk or be physically active?
- Work with ideas or apply ideas (hands on) or do both?
- Help people in some way?
- Make a lot of money?
- Be always learning on the job?
- Have lots of variety and activity?
- Have a structured, predictable workday?
- Feel that the job you have is a secure job?
- Work intensely on a project and see it through to the end?
- Feel you are contributing to the community?
- Work with particular things or people e.g. engines, animals, children, the elderly, etc.?
What do you do best? What are your strengths? Are they in:
- Humanities, mathematics, science, etc.?
- Working with ideas, words, things, etc.?
- Working with people?
- Working with your hands?
- Working with computers or machines?
- Performing arts, visual arts?
What other things influence your decision? Perhaps:
- The opinions of family and friends?
- The availability of employment?
- Your age?
- Staying in the local area?
- A physical or medical condition?
What occupations have you already thought of?
Everyone has at least one type of work they have thought about for themselves (even if it is a fantasy idea!).
Doing a career questionnaire from one of these websites will help you develop other ideas.
Australian JobSearch – Career Quiz
http://jobsearch.gov.au/careers/pages/default.aspx
myfuture – My guide
www.myfuture.edu.au
Smart Future – Career Wizard
www.smartfuture.qld.gov.au/
You should now have a list of 5 – 10 occupational ideas
Step 3 Look outwards
- Read about the jobs in your occupational ideas list. Use these resources.
www.jobguide.dest.gov.au
The Facts
www.myfuture.edu.au
Job Outlook
http://jobsearch.gov.au/careers/pages/default.aspx
- Do these occupations fit in with the profile you have developed of yourself during Step 2? Delete those that don’t.
- Your eventual aim is to come up with 3 or 4 possible occupations that will give you satisfaction and will use your strengths.
Next you need to talk to people who are already employed in the occupations remaining on your list. Don't be afraid to do this, as most people are prepared to help you with your career research if you are polite, prepared with questions, and don’t take up too much of their time. Use your own networks (parents’ friends, your friends’ parents, neighbours, etc.) and the Yellow Pages to contact people. Develop questions to ask them. Some possible questions are
- What do you do in a typical work day?
- Why did you choose this job?
- What do you like about the job?
- What don't you like about the job?
- What is the recommended training to prepare for the job?
- Are there alternative training pathways?
- Are there people in the same occupation who do different things from you?
- Is there someone else you think I should speak to?
- Where do you go from here in this job?
- It is helpful to discuss your findings with a friend or relative who knows you well and you feel comfortable talking with. Other peoples’ insights can sometimes help us clarify our thinking.
Step 4 Prioritise the jobs
- By this time you should be able to put the jobs you have selected in order of your preference.
Step 5 Plan a training pathway
- Because of your research in Step 3, you will already know the various pathways to obtaining your occupational goal. Select the pathway that best suits you.
Step 6 Act on your plan
Talk to your career counsellor if you need more help with your career exploration
- Make an appointment at the Counselling Department reception, or
- Telephone 3214 5437, or
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- Email roslynlim@terrace.qld.edu.au.
Download a handout on making career decisions here
return to the Careers Page
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