How to find out about different careers

For most adults, work is a significant part of their lives. The choices you make at key points during your education (in year 8 or 9, in year 11 and in your final year of college or sixth form) also affect what work you can do in the future. Therefore, when you’re young, it’s worth putting time and effort into finding what work may be a good fit for you.

There are lots of things you can do that will help you with this:

• get to know yourself – find out your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses
• think about what is important to you in a job – e.g. hours, pay, progression, location, people
• get work experience – your school should offer work experience placements or contact with employers; you can also volunteer or find part-time work
• have hobbies and take part in after school activities – these can help you gain work related skills
• talk to adults about their jobs and career paths
• research jobs and career pathways online
• try out some online careers quizzes/ assessments 
• attend careers events – one example is Skills London
• speak to a careers adviser – they will have the latest information and are specially trained to help you decide what’s best for you.

Here are useful websites for finding out about different jobs. These also include careers quizzes or assessments, which can be a useful way of getting ideas.

• National Careers Service – Government site
• Start Profile – careers site aimed at young people, with an in depth careers assessment
• icould – also aimed at young people, includes lots of videos and the ‘Buzz Quiz’
• Prospects – information on careers after university, includes useful advice on what degree subjects can link to what jobs.