Embarking on your career journey after school, college or university can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. To help you navigate this critical phase, we’ve put together some answers to the questions we most commonly get asked around how to figure out what to do for a career.
Where do I start in deciding what career path to follow?
It is best to start by understanding your interests. Much like Elon Musk’s enthusiasm for technology (PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and now X / Twitter), identify the activities that spark your curiosity. Your interests can help lead you to find career options that really chime with the things that bring you joy.
How do I know what my skills are?
Take stock of your existing skills. Are you a great communicator or a creative problem solver? Yes! Then those are skills.
Like Dame Stephanie Shirley’s pioneering journey in computing (and if you haven’t heard of her, read up!), your skills can be a foundation for success in unexpected areas if you pursue them and work hard to maximise them.
How do I know what kind of personality I have?
Consider your personality traits. Are you a thinker or a leader? Your personality can guide you toward professions that align with your natural inclinations.
A famous set of career personality types come from Holland’s Theory, which has some cool traits that can help you figure out what could be your thing (but this list is just an example, and you might find you fit into several categories rather than just one – most of us at Working Options do!) – do you recognise yourself in any of these:
Realistic (R): These are the hands-on, do-it-yourself types. They’re into building, fixing, and being outdoors. They like to learn by doing stuff rather than sitting.
Investigative (I): These are science-loving people. They love solving puzzles and digging deep.
Artistic (A): The creative souls. They write, draw, sing, and act to express themselves.
Social (S): People, people, people! If you love helping, teaching, and being part of a team, you might be a social type.
Enterprising (E): They love selling, leading, and getting things done.
Conventional (C): Organised, precise, and super reliable, great with numbers, schedules, and making sure things run smoothly.
What education or training do I need to fulfil my career goals?
Research the educational path needed for your chosen career and know the qualifications or training that can help you excel.
Do I need to have work experience before I can start in a career?
While experience can provide insights, it’s not essential. Your enthusiasm, combined with continuous learning, can drive your success. Many entrepreneurs, including Steve Jobs, started with a vision rather than experience – after all, Apple was started from Jobs’ parents’ garage in 1976, and today it employs more than 147,000 worldwide.
What is the job outlook for a career?
Explore the future demand for your potential chosen career. Like Steve Jobs’ foresight, understanding industry trends can help you make informed decisions – and lead to you needing to employ those 147,000 people. Think about where industries are heading and what jobs are going to be booming.
Ask yourself, ‘What’s my ideal work-life balance?’
Consider your work-life balance preferences. Like Richard Branson’s multifaceted ventures, your desired balance can shape the types of industries or roles you pursue.
A good follow-up question to that is, ‘Do I enjoy working indoors, outdoors or remotely?’
Reflect on your ideal work environment. Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or remote work, align your preferences with your ideal work-life balance and the career choices that accommodate both.
Talk to people you know
If you have a support network around you then ask them about what they do, what sector they work in and what they enjoy Â(and don’t) about their jobs, which will give you valuable insights helping you on your career quest.
Are you willing to relocate for a better career opportunity?
Contemplate your willingness to relocate, as certain industries tend to hub around different parts of the UK. We have put together some examples below:
Belfast, technology and cybersecurity: A rising star in technology, specialising in software, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Birmingham, manufacturing and automotive: Powers the manufacturing and automotive sectors with a rich industrial heritage and a concentration of automotive companies and suppliers.
Bristol, aerospace and advanced engineering: Soars in the aerospace and advanced engineering sectors, nurturing cutting-edge innovation.
Cambridge, science and technology: Boasts world-renowned research, particularly in science and technology, nurturing ground-breaking discoveries.
Edinburgh, finance and technology: Combines financial expertise with burgeoning technology sectors, driving innovation in finance and beyond.
Glasgow, engineering: A legacy in shipbuilding and engineering endures, supported by a dynamic marine engineering and energy sector.
Leeds, financial and professional services: Shines in financial and professional services, housing a diverse range of institutions.
Liverpool, maritime and logistics: A maritime heritage thrives alongside a robust logistics and trading industry.
London, finance and fintech: Stands as a global financial powerhouse and a thriving hub for fintech innovation.
Manchester, media and creative industries: Hosting a vibrant media scene and a burgeoning digital and tech start-up ecosystem.
Newcastle, digital and tech innovation: Drives digital and tech innovation, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of start-ups and research initiatives.
Oxford, research and innovation: Fuels research and innovation, notably in life sciences and biotechnology.
Ask yourself, ‘How important is money to me?’
It is important to be honest with yourself about what is going to drive your career. While for some people it will be their interests, it is also okay to value stability and to wish to prioritise the importance money holds in your career – this is your career, so you can make decisions based on what is most important to you.
Is it okay to try something and change my mind?
YES, absolutely it is. Careers evolve, and pivoting is totally normal, as all careers build transferable skills. Be open to exploration. Trying various roles allows you to gain insights, refine your preferences, and align your journey with your changing goals.
As you step onto the path of career exploration, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. By asking questions, exploring passions, learning from figures like Branson, Jobs, Shirley, and Musk, and embracing change, you’re equipped to craft a fulfilling career. Take each step with confidence, knowing that the choices you make today shape the extraordinary professional you’ll become.
Visit our YouTube channel to hear from those already making it in their sector
