Making plans
Making decisions about your next steps can be exciting, but it can also be really daunting. Should I do this...? Should I do that...? What's best for my career plans?
You may already have a career path in mind and know what you need to do, or perhaps you're unsure of which direction you want to take. This section gives you some hints and tips to help you with making those all important decisions.
Just remember to explore all of your options so that you make the choices that are right for you.
As a starter...
Take some time to think about the skills and knowledge you already have and what you will need in the future. Different courses and careers require different skills.
Many course descriptions will not only state what their entry requirements are but will also mention the skills, interests or experience that may be useful.
Job descriptions also list the abilities and skills that are required to do a particular job.
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Websites that can help with identifying your skills, interest and motivations
There's loads of websites with online quizzes, games and other activities that can help you identify your skills and interests and think about the kinds of jobs that might suit you. Take a look at our careers information section which lists a number of websites that you may find useful. Most of the quizzes take around 5-10 minutes to complete.
Your sixth form or college may also give you access to a variety of online programs such as Unifrog or Kudos to help you generate career suggestions and explore your ideas.
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Building your skills
Get involved in opportunities available to you both within your sixth form or college and in your local community, through such things as:
- work experience or work shadowing
- community activities
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award
- volunteering
- part-time work
Any one of these can help you gain experience, confidence and skills useful for your CV. You could be involved in projects such as sports coaching, environmental issues, youth leadership, music and dance.
Note down the things that you do as you can use them as evidence that you have the skills needed for that job or that course. It will make writing job applications or your UCAS personal statement much easier.
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Take a look around the Info & Advice section
This is where you'll find lots of information about your next steps, including:
- the higher education study choices available, whatever course or programme of study you're doing right now
- apprenticeships and training opportunities
- how to go about finding an apprenticeship or job
- gaining practical experience through volunteering or a gap year
- sources of information and support (including finance)
- the value of education and training to your career
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Things to keep in mind when thinking about your future
- Planning your career isn’t a one‑time thing — it’s a journey you keep building throughout your life.
- Jobs and workplaces are changing all the time, so the careers that exist today might look different in a few years.
- Most people don’t stick with the same job forever anymore.
- You’ll have lots of chances to try new things, switch jobs, learn new skills, and discover what you enjoy.
- Keep learning as you grow. Developing your skills and trying new experiences will open more doors for you in the future.
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