Making the right decision at the onset can stand you in good stead for achieving your career aspirations. Here is some advice that can help make your decision easier.
Figure out what interests you
The first place to start when evaluating a possible career path is by exploring what interests you. This process is not only about what subjects interest you or that you’re good at solving maths problems, but it’s also about what excites you outside of academics, such as hobbies and sports activities.
When you have a good idea of what interests you, you can compare this with your abilities and academic strengths to map out your potential pathway. It is also important to consider your personality traits and how they may influence the type of work that would suit you best.
Determine your career ambitions
It is always good to have a long-term vision in mind to reach a bigger career goal, as this can be the motivating factor that moves you forward on the right path.
Take the time to determine what you are looking for in a career, how it aligns with your life goals and what career paths you can pursue to get you there, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your parents or a teacher for guidance. Whether you’re looking at a career for its financial security or one that offers the opportunity to make a difference in the world, pursuing a career that aligns with your life aspirations can ensure job satisfaction, a sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Explore career paths and courses
Once you have a general idea of the career you want to follow, you’ll need to have a good understanding of various careers and what to pursue academically.
Some careers like engineering or accounting require specific qualifications that are mandatory to work in that particular field of expertise, and some roles, such as psychology, require candidates to have studied an advanced degree.
Not all qualifications apply to one specific sector though. Some allow for graduates to branch out into associated areas – studying a communications degree could lead to careers from sales and marketing to journalism and copywriting.
Unsure of what you want to study?
If the qualifications available to you don’t align with the direction in which you want to head, or if you are interested in a number of fields, enrolling for a general degree may be your next best option. You may find a niche while studying, or if you decide to change lanes and pursue a different field, career or qualification, your first qualification will stand you in good stead when you enter the workplace.
Discover what courses and qualifications match your career ambitions by taking the first step in our application process.
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