Where Do I Start?
It can be a daunting experience trying to find out about a career. The best way to start is to keep it simple and keep your search broad.
Some tips to keep in mind to help you in your research:
- Before rushing out and blindly 'picking' a job that you think might interest you, take a slower approach. Question first what you want from a career. What are your personal preferences and values? Your goals? How are these reflected in different jobs? In Year 11, all students undertake the Myers Briggs questionnaire to assist in identifying personal preferences. If you are younger, try the 'Personal Skills' and 'Personal Attributes' exercises in Student Resources.
Illustration by Nathan Spurr
- Try a vocational profile or questionnaire such as the Multiple Intelligence Quiz (see Student Resources). For an even quicker profile, try the Career Quiz at jobsearch.gov.au. It is important to remember that when you do such an exercise, you do not pass or fail. It can, however, help you to identify potential career interests.
- You might like to research career options based around your favourite subjects (see the subject bullet posters in Student Resources).
- Read the fortnightly Careers Newsletter. This is a great source of information and upcoming careers events.
- Once you have identified some jobs that interest you, go the Job Guide. This is a very useful and popular careers student resource. It contains a full list of jobs, including a job description, personal and study requirements, as well as related jobs (see www.jobguide.dest.gov.au).
- Read the Employment section in the daily newspapers on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This can give you a good idea of the number of jobs that are available in a career interest area, as well as the skills employers are looking for.
- Attend Careers Expos and University and TAFE Open Days—the dates are advertised in the student bulletin and on the Year Level Boards. Ask questions! Don't simply stuff your show-bag and leave. Mr Rosel can assist with a list of questions to pester employers or tertiary staff.
Illustration by Nathan Spurr
- Organise to interview an employer! Mr Rosel can often help with leads and preparing relevant questions.
- Consider a short course or an additional work experience placement over your holidays. This is a great way to explore an interest area in detail and it also builds up your profile.
- Get a part-time job. The best way to learn about work is by doing it!
- The VTAC guide lists all university and many TAFE courses.
- The Tafe guide lists all Victorian Tafe courses.
- Visit the careers room for help! If you are in Year 11 or 12, you can make an individual appointment with Mr Rosel. Please make sure to at least do some basic research beforehand. In the careers room there is computer access for Internet research. In addition, there is a comprehensive range of books, pamphlets and other written information on specific tertiary institutes, courses, industries and jobs.
- Make a plan—list your goals and the steps you need to take to reach them (see Pathway Plan in Student Resources).