The first steps after High School can be daunting. Being faced with vast career choices doesn’t have to be something to run away from – with the right research, we know you’ll find your right fit and the transition will be smooth.
In addition to the steps we are about to share, CareersEvent.com is a great resource to reference throughout your journey. We offer a great support system to keep up with career-focused news throughout Australia and work with high school graduates, education and employment providers to discover the best career paths for their goals.
Now, grab your note-taking device, and follow along as we suggest some key steps in the university and career-selection process.
Your Strengths
This is an important question, not only for picking the right career but also for entering adult life where you’ll work with diverse groups in educational institutions and in the workplace.
Are you a master wordsmith? Are you great at leading teams? Are you an impeccable public speaker? Are you happy to spend hours problem-solving? Are you a great listener?
Asking yourself what you’re superior at and putting together a list will help you better sift through career options, pick the right degree to apply for and will help you better communicate with others where you see yourself in the next couple of years.
Your Personality Type
There are thousands of personality tests out there, but a classic system is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This is an introspective self-report questionnaire which helps you find out what type of personality you have.
The idea behind the testing is that variations in people’s behaviour are expected, orderly, and consistent. It is suggested that these sets of behaviours and characteristics are due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their perception and judgment, and this can be categorised. You can take the test here.
Once you’ve determined your personality type, take a look at the research that countless experts have analysed and written about on particular behaviour types matching with different groups of behaviour types in work and collaboration settings. This could give you a leg up when it comes to deciding what kind of groups you would like to work with, and what types of industries you see yourself in.
Are you more analytical and introverted? You might be an INTP. Are you more creative with an assertive personality? You may be an ENFJ.
How else might this be helpful? Certain workplaces and careers may attract specific characteristics and traits – if you’re aware of your characteristics you may be a better judge at matching yourself with an employer’s job requirements, which can, in turn, help you decide what you should study to get to that position.
CNBC put together a helpful article and infographic to better understand personality types and ideal work situations – check it out here.
Speaking to Others
This is a step we cannot stress enough. Speaking to those in industries that you may be interested in will give you real-time insights into what it’s really like to work in that career.
Networking, exchanging of information and ideas with those with common interests and professions, with students at different universities or seasoned professionals in your selected interest, will help you understand if that discipline is one you’d be happy diving into every day.
Besides individual networking, there are informative school events and exhibitions that will answer your questions about specific degrees and disciplines. CareersEvent.com has multiple tertiary education exhibitions throughout Australia where you can speak to school advocates, councillors and students – join us at our next expo in Adelaide.
These are just a few handy tips to get you started. Stay tuned for more info on the university and career process, and in the meantime check out our events, competitions, and Careers Event videos.