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Higher education and your career

Your choice of career might be a key factor in deciding whether to go into higher education and what course to take. Look at the different options available, and focus on what you think is best for your future.

Higher education and your career prospects

Higher education develops qualities that are valued by employers, such as problem-solving and communication skills. Doing a higher education course could give you an edge in the fast-changing world of employment. And on average, people with a higher education qualification tend to earn more over their working life that those without.  A higher education qualification is necessary for some careers - such as medicine, dentistry, chartered engineering and architecture. For some professions - like law or speech therapy- you will need an additional postgraduate qualification before you can practise.

Exploring your career options

If you decide to go on to higher education you need to make sure the course you take best suits what you want to do with your life. If you’re thinking of applying to university or college, now might be a good time to take another look at your career options. There’s advice available if you need help making up your mind.Careers Service Northern Ireland, is an all age Careers Service offering  free impartial information, advice and guidance to young people and adults.

Choosing a course to suit your career plans

Going into higher education can open up new career options, and choosing which course and career is right for you can be an exciting process. It’s an opportunity to look at what kind of person you are, what kind of life you want and how you can achieve your goals in the real world. See ‘Find a university or college course’ for advice on choosing a course, including information about the Stamford test - an online tool that helps you match your interests with higher education courses.

Changing your career direction through higher education

Higher education isn’t just for traditional ‘high flyers’ with lots of academic qualifications. Whatever you’ve been doing in your working life, a higher education course could give you the skills and recognition you need to begin a new and rewarding career. And you may be able to get on a higher education course even if you’re lacking formal qualifications. Universities and colleges may take your work experience into account if you apply to do an Access course, a foundation course or foundation year.

Finding out more about graduate careers

If you have decided on, or are thinking about, a particular higher education course, you may want to:explore the graduate job market in your chosen field and find out about salaries for particular jobs

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