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Research your career
It is important that you research your chosen career path and the job roles within it, in which you are interested. This will help ensure you are making the best decision for your future. It will give you an idea of the experience and qualifications you need to enter and progress in your chosen industry. Research the current labour market to understand current trends such as future skills shortages, declining industries and the demand for university places. You can visit:
- our careers library for information on jobs and careers in your chosen area of interest. The library includes links to sector skills councils and professional bodies (responsible for developing skills and standards in particular industries, providing labour market information) as well as career profile videos.
- Next Step provides a careers database detailing salary expectations, entry routes, skills and personal qualities needed for particular job roles.
- career fairs, giving you the chance to meet employers face-to-face, to learn about current vacancies and opportunities.
- UCAS & Step on (Essex’s 14-19 online prospectus) and local college websites for relevant course information and entry requirements.
Career aspirations and interests
When researching different career paths and roles it’s essential that you keep a log of the skills, qualifications and experience employers are looking for, as well as the typical day-to-day duties and responsibilities involved with each job role.
Get an insight…
You can get insight to a particular role or industry by undertaking work experience, work shadowing (where you observe the day-day activities of a professional in your career goal) and volunteering. This will give you an opportunity to ask someone, who is doing the type of work you are interested in, about the skills, qualifications and personal attributes needed for the job.
Useful websites
Careersbox
Careersbox offers advice and information on career opportunities.
icould
icould gives you the inside story of how careers work. The icould storytellers relate, in their own words, their real life career journeys.
Careers Gateway
Careers Gateway has a lot of information articles and job hunting advice, along with quizzes and games.
BrightsideUNIAID: knowledge bank
Provides articles and topical news around careers, study, finance and independent living to help young people explore their future options.
Careers Fair
Information on applying for jobs.
National Guidance Research Forum
Provides information on the job market.
Alliance
Find the Sector Skills Council’s website for the job that interests you.
Online tools
Fast Tomato
Fast Tomato is a careers education and guidance system, designed for all individuals aged 12 upwards who are considering their future career options.
Last updated: 05/03/11
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