Melinda O’ConnorCareers Adviser

‘Building meaningful links between education and business & industry'

Some people have a clear idea about where they are heading, even from a young age……

You can never start exploring and researching career ideas too soon!

Others are still finding their way in their twenties…….

Making career choices

It is a process, not an event.

Choices are affected by both planned and chance experiences.

It happens at different times for different people

What are your skills and abilities?

What are your interests?

How do you learn best?

What motivates you?

It’s about you:

What do you actually do in the job? What skills are required? What level and type of qualifications are

needed? What subjects will be helpful? How do you train/learn to do the job? What are the working conditions like? What are employers looking for?

It’s about careers research:

Career development is a lifelong journey.

There will be opportunities to learn new skills and gain new experiences throughout your life.

The world of work is always changing.

Employers need people who are flexible and adaptable

Remember……

Think about job families:

Good at Art?

Animator Graphic designer CartoonistCostume designer fashion designer product designer architect MODEL MAKER gemmologist illustrator silversmith teacher interior designer FILM MAKER photographer Advertising art director games designer make up artist display design TOYMAKER set design Jewellery designer

Then how about…….

•Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Civil, Chemical•Energy, Environmental, Food Processing, Aeronautical, Nuclear, Motorsports…..

Engineering

•Accounting, Banking, Stockbroker•Insurance, Law, Civil Service, Project Manager, Marketing, Advertising, Retail…… Business•Doctor, Dentist, Optician, Pharmacist•Clinical Scientist, Physiotherapist, Dietician…… Health

Some other job families……

What about working conditions ?

In full time education at college or sixth form (further education)

Working and studying part time (apprenticeship, job with training, self employed)

Training for a specific career or keeping your options open.

Where might you be in two or more years time?

General qualifications, such as A levels: Subjects you know, like maths, the sciences,

history New subjects such as psychology or politicsVocational qualifications, such as BTEC Diplomas Study broad vocational areas, such as animal

care, business or performing artsSpecific occupational courses, such as NVQs Often studied through an apprenticeship, such as

engineering, administration, horse care

Choice of courses

Study something that really interests you

Achieve your full potential

Increase your earnings over a life time

Get involved in new activities and make new friends

Increase confidence and independence

Why go to university?

A chance to earn and learn Hands on training Work towards occupational qualifications (and

Maths and English) There are two levels: Intermediate and Advanced Can be a route into higher education (particularly

Foundation degrees)

Why an apprenticeship?

What are the highs and lows? What are the challenges? Any surprises? Are there different routes? How competitive is it? What will employers expect from me? Top tips? How can I best prepare?

Make sure you get all the details: