5 Steps to prepare you when thinking about a Career
Sometimes searching for the right career for yourself can be difficult as you must match your skills to what they are asking for. Some of these skills you may possess and some you may be unaware of.
Below are simple steps you can take which will best equip you when thinking and choosing the right career for you.
1 – Assess Your Skills
On your own, write down the skills and qualities you have
For example
| Soft Skills | Hard Skills |
| Empathy | Foreign Language |
| Communication | Programming Language |
| Leadership | A qualification |
| Willingness to Learn | Skilled writing ability etc |
| Time Management | Maths’s skills |
Ask a family member or a close friend what skills and qualities they see in you. This section is important and can be very sensitive as they can make you aware of skills you didn’t know you had, or about an area you really need to improve on.
For example,
You may say you’re punctual, but your parent/friend says you need to improve on this area as you are always late for appointments.
2 – Research and Explore Different Career Paths.
Have fun with this section as there are so many careers to view, just consider your soft and hard skills when you’re searching as this will help guide you along.
Visit https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
3 – Explore Transferable Skills
When looking at more transferable skills, these are skills sets that you possess and can transfer to your next job e.g.
- Good Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership Quality
- Creativity and Critical Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Adaptability
- Multitasking
When looking at more transferable skills, these are skills sets that you possess and can transfer to your next job e.g.,
- Good Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership Quality
- Creativity and Critical Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Adaptability
- Multitasking
The above skills can be applied to the following roles e.g.
- Business Admin
- Gardener
- Hairdresser
- Make-Up Artist
- Tattooist
- Interior Designer
- Graphical Designer
- Counsellor
- Customer Service Representative
- Dancer
- Chef
- Health Care Social Worker
- Nursery Worker
- Electrician
- Factory Operator
- Quality Control Manager
- Equipment Manufacture
- Market Researcher
- Network Security
- Human Resource Professional
- Sales Representative
- Project Manager
This is just a small collection of potential career paths
When you are searching, look out for Related Careers, these are potential career paths you could venture down with the same or similar skills set.
For example, an Animal Care worker could also pursue a career as a.
- Kennel Worker
- Veterinary Nurse
- Assistance Dog Trainer
- Pet Shops Assistant
- Dog Groomer
There are so many more job roles which you could include just by matching the soft skills or qualities an employer is looking for on the basic Job Skills section.
4 – Select a route
There are many different routes to a destination, some may take longer than others, and some may pay while other won’t, well financially.
Apprenticeships – Work four days a week and study one day a week, although this could vary depending on the career you have chosen. Apprentices are paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. The main aim and structure of an apprenticeship is to offer you the chance of paid work while training towards a qualification. The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the level you are working towards, e.g., Level 1, 2, 3 etc.
Apprenticeships will generally require you to have some form of English and Maths qualification as an entry requirement. 
This is due to there being an element of reading and writing even though you will be mainly working hands on. Just see it as an opportunity for you to validate what you have learned throughout the week of work.
Colleges/Training Providers – Study four or five days a week, dependent on the course you do.
Colleges offer a one-time enrolment each year from September; you may have up until mid-October to change or enrol onto a course a college, However, this is down to their discretion. Again, entry requirements need to be met to get on the course you wish to study.
Training Providers are slightly different, they’re a lot smaller than colleges so the class sizes tend to be smaller too. Training providers offer a huge range or course’s and it’s ok if you don’t have any qualifications as they will help you from the ground up. With a training provider you can enrol throughout the year. Also, with a training provider, the course doesn’t have to be a whole year, it depends on how much work you are willing to put in throughout each day, week, and month.
There are also a lot of incentives with training providers where you can make money through your attendance, completion of the course and by referring a friend. However, these may change throughout the year, but something worth looking into.
Voluntary work – Helping out and trying to get a feel for the role, no pay but gain valuable work experience.
Voluntary work can be a good way to start in a field of work you are unsure about. By helping with duties to get an idea and feel for the daily responsibilities you will see if the job is right for you and something you can see yourself doing.
Voluntary work offers a lot of perks as you gain knowledge and first-hand experience and opportunities to develop new skills. Most of these skills are transferrable such as good communication, good organisational skills, time management and a willingness to learn. These are great skills to learn and develop sooner so you can then focus on the hard skill.
It’s important to pick the route that’s good for you and your learning style.
English and Maths GCSE or equivalent is a qualification that you will usually need.
5 – Call us
Need more help?
A team of qualified staff are waiting to support you. Get in touch using the link below.
