Career considerations

Once you have a good idea of the career you want, the next step is to consider how you’re going to make it happen. As well as practical issues like location, salary and the job market. You may also need to look into updating your skills and qualifications.

Things to consider when researching careers

After you’ve drawn up a shortlist of potential careers, there are a number of issues you’ll want to consider before putting your plan into action. If you’re not prepared to move, you’ll need to consider location. For example, while you can probably find work in the retail sector in most towns, if you’re looking to get into TV production there are likely to be more opportunities in London and other major cities.

In most careers you’ll have opportunities for promotion, but this doesn’t always translate to lots more pay. An important question to ask yourself would be 'is doing something I love more important than a large salary?' There’s competition in most careers, but some are more competitive than others.

Careers that are seen as ‘glamorous’ can be difficult to get into without plenty of unpaid work experience, enthusiasm and a certain amount of luck. If you’re attracted to a career like this, ask yourself:

am I prepared to put in the extra effort?
what opportunities are there to progress within the careers I'm looking at?
how would I get to the next stage once I am in - either within the same line of work, or in a related field?
what training is likely to be on offer for me?
Getting training at work (education, learning and skills section)

You also need to think about what you will be doing on a day-to-day basis in your chosen career? If it involves meeting lots of people and that's not your thing, you might want to think again. Would you prefer a job indoors, or wouldn’t you mind being outside in the depths of winter?

Your circumstances needn’t limit your career options as there may be extra support available, for example, if you’re a lone parent or you have a disability. Follow the link below to find out more.

Helping you into work - more information

What’s important to you in a job?

Once you’ve considered the factors listed above, making a list may help focus your mind. Try listing those which are essential, and those which are ‘nice to have’. An example might look like this:

involves dealing with people
close to home
will be earning at least £15,000 in your first year
in the 'public' or ‘not for profit’ sectors
opportunities to travel abroad
linked to a favourite subject you’ve studied

What qualifications do you need?

Looking at career profiles should give you a good idea of the qualifications you’ll need. Adult learning, or higher education, can be a great way of opening up new career opportunities. And remember, it’s never too late to return to learning.

Help with career planning

Talking through your options may help you decide what’s important to you. It may also give you a better idea of what you need to do to get the job you’re after.