While some people are fortunate enough to know what they want to do with the rest of their life, others are still not exactly sure even after leaving secondary school. So, what if you fall into the second group, how do you discover what type of career might be right for you?
Consider some of these tips:
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until you have to fill your UTME form before starting conversations about your future. Instead, start talking about your future aspirations early as this will help you explore a variety of career options, course choices and future goals.
Despite these, you may still be unsure about what you want to do when you graduate. Don’t worry overmuch, consider the options that follow.
2. Could You Shadow a Professional?
Exactly what does this mean? Deciding whether to be an architect or a police officer is quite difficult when you lack experience in the working world. A job shadow experience can help you know and have first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in that profession.
So, if you have friends and family members who would be willing to let you job shadow for a day, why not go for it?
3. Seek Guidance From the Guidance Counsellor
Guidance counsellors can help you with information about career opportunities for secondary school students. Why not speak with your guidance counsellor (if you have one)? Many guidance counsellors have a variety of tools and assessments that can help teens discover possible careers that could be a good match for them.
4. Google is Your Friend, You Know?
We live in the time of the internet, which can offer you a wealth of information about career exploration. Conduct online research about various job opportunities and career paths.
5. Still In Doubt? Keep Talking!
Avoid placing pressure on yourself to make a decision about what you will do after school, but do keep the topic an ongoing conversation. Even if you feel all of your friends have a career path already mapped, don’t be discouraged by that.
Share your dreams, passions, interests and what excites you with your dear friends and family members. By asking you probing questions, they may well come up with exciting options that will help you. Even if it feels like your goals are a tad unrealistic, don’t talk down on them, instead consider the pros and the cons of trying to develop it into a career.
With these, at least you have something to start with.
See Also: Science, Arts or Commercial: Which is Best For Me?
