Unlocking Your Career Options

With so many options, the choice of a career can seem daunting, and you will need to take time in researching and considering your options. Once you have a career choice narrowed down, what do you know about that career? Do you know what an engineer, nurse, banker, welder, or farmer really does? How much will you be paid in this career? The way to find these answers is by asking people who know. Here are ways to learn about and gain experience in different career fields.

Conduct an Informational Interview

Most people like to talk about their work, and they want to encourage others who have similar career goals and aspirations. Find someone who works in a field that interests you. Ask if you may visit with that person for a half hour or so for an informational interview.

Come to the interview with prepared questions such as: 

• What type of schooling is required to succeed in this position?
• Can you describe your average day at work?
• Do opportunities for advancement exist, and what is expected of an individual to advance?
• What do you find most challenging and rewarding about this field?
• How do you see the employment outlook for this field over the next several years?
• Are there any government or organisational licensing requirements, and how do I obtain them?
• What is a good starting salary for this position?

Gain Work Experience

Other options could include findings an internship program, asking those you know within your chosen career path if you can gain any work experience/shadow somebody in that field for a period of time.

You can often receive a salary while working in a field related to your study. Not only will this experience become a good addition to your C.V./Résumé, but you will obtain first-hand experience while still in education. A simple part-time job or volunteer experience will also give you valuable insight into a career field and if this is something you see yourself doing long term. What is important is a thorough and early investigation of career options that will lead to saved time and money down the road. An apprenticeship is also worth exploring, which will give you the education, work experience and an income whilst gaining an educational qualification.