Discover Future Careers
Set your sights on some of the exciting new careers out there and build a skill set to match the opportunities.
The world of work is changing fast. Some of the jobs that your parents and older relatives might have done in the past may no longer exist soon. But exciting new careers in new sectors are emerging all the time.
Just think about the digital sphere and the green economy, two areas that have really taken off within your lifetime – and should only continue to grow.
Taking a little time now to explore future careers means you can seek out skilling opportunities to match your career goals.
What skills do you need to gain today to take your pick of tomorrow’s opportunities?
Steps you can take
Do your research. The first step with any big project is to find out what you know and don’t know about the topic.
Tackle your future career in the same way: Learn all you can about your options and how you can achieve your career goals.
Ask for a career fair
Talk to your teachers, youth group or community leaders about hosting a career fair. This can be as simple as asking local employers to come and discuss the type of careers on offer in their sector.
Inviting along a good mix of employers and entrepreneurs – including from new sectors – should help to cover off both current and future career prospects.
Other adults can also join in the career fair by sharing their career path with young people. It’s helpful and inspiring to hear how others have reached their career goals.
Knowing what careers are likely to be available to you in future can let you tailor your skilling journey to match. You stand the best chance of success if you can attain the skills that are most in demand.
Seek career guidance
Do you have a career in mind but don’t know how to get there? Or perhaps you’re seeking some career inspiration?
Either way, you may benefit from some career guidance. Because you will speak one to one with a career advisor, they can give you advice that’s targeted to your skills and situation.
Among other things, you will likely discuss your strengths, interests and career motivations. A career advisor can also give you practical tips on where and how to access skill building opportunities to meet your aspirations.
If there’s no career advisor nearby, you’ll find plenty of great resources online. To start with, take a look at job search advice on Jobberman and entrepreneurship guidance on the Internet of Good Things.
Get an internship or apprenticeship
On-the-job training can give you a real insight into the specific skills you need for the career you have in mind. At the same time, it’s a chance to gain transferable skills that will be useful in any future role.
Look out for internships and apprenticeships advertised locally. An internship can offer a small taster of what it’s like to work in a specific organisation or role. An apprenticeship is a longer-term commitment but lets you train formally for a relevant qualification while you work and earn.
Find a mentor or two
Benefit from others’ experience. Seek out some people who have already carved out a career in the area that you’re aiming for. Their insights can help put you on the path to skilling and success.
To identify possible mentors, make a ‘network map’. Draw yourself in the middle of a piece of paper. Then draw circles around you to represent all the groups of people that you mix with in daily life – like people at school, in your community, in religious groups or on sports teams. Think about anyone in your network who may be able to give you career advice – or connect you to someone who can.
Don’t forget about social media and in-person events. These are both great ways to grow your network by connecting with others who share your values and career goals.
Join a forum or group
Seek out forums or groups that you can join for support in shaping your future career. Youth organizations often have such an entity that can guide you on career choices or serve as a sounding board for your ideas.
You will likely also have knowledge and skills that you can share to benefit others in the forum or group. It’s even better when everyone is actively involved in helping one another.
There are also plenty of websites dedicated to supporting your personal development in various ways.
Try the Level Up website hosted by Unilever, which seeks to support your development and growth. Or visit SAP Learning Insights for podcasts on learning goals and digital skills in particular.
Join the Yoma Community on Slack for support with developing your skills via the Yoma platform. Or keep up with Voices of Youth blogs on employment, among other topics.
Doing your research and planning ahead will put you in the best possible position to achieve your career goals. Take the time now to explore future careers and what skills you need for success.
