When I was young I did not know what I wanted to be. I knew I wanted to achieve and my passion for art has always helped and guided me. I knew that if I pursued what I believed in and what I am passionate about then I would enjoy my future career path, whatever that may be. I always set a good impression at school and work hard because I care about my future.

I was never really pushed by my parents but I knew I had to work hard for myself to achieve great things. My art teacher at school headhunted me to begin my career in teaching and I have never looked back. I am happy to discuss your thoughts and ideas based on where you want your future direction to go.

I have found that, through my years of teaching, students who have a definite goal or career path in mind are more focussed in achieving their educational milestones to get the final grades they need. I believe that there is a perfect job out there for everyone; something that you will enjoy, that challenges you and will enrich your life.

Good guidance and self knowledge are vital in this ever-changing world as there are so many career paths to follow and so many qualifications to consider - it could prove overwhelming for those who have no clue what they want to do.

I think Careers advice and support is important so you are able to set yourself targets to reach your end goal. I was unsure what my end goal was in my younger years but I knew that I had a passion for the arts. For a while I was a dancer in a holiday park but I soon realised I wanted to influence the younger generation with a physical activity that was enjoyable and also had many other benefits.

My degree helped me to become a teacher, even though I found it challenging applying for university when I had no previous support, therefore being able to have this support in school you should think yourself incredibly lucky!!

Based on my experience it is best not to expect a job for life. You may need to move away from home and go to where the job opportunities and specific education or training is located.

I hope to help students to overcome biased, ill-informed or outdated influences that may guide them towards poor or limited career choices. Students must anticipate a dynamic pathway of jobs, a bit like following stepping stones, each one progressing and accumulating skills and knowledge. Students will need to be resilient and cope with change as a lifelong learner, to evolve with new technologies, life challenges and most importantly stay happy, fulfil their potential and not get bored.

Your career is such a key aspect of your life as this will account for a large percentage of your time once it has begun, so it is absolutely crucial that you are pursuing something that is right for you. Getting the correct advice and knowing which path to follow will set you up to be successful earlier in your career and help you avoid dedicating time and effort into something that you may not enjoy or something that does not give you a sense of fulfillment.

My experience of career advice was very limited, however throughout my 20’s, I was able to speak to a teacher who helped me gain entry into the education sector. This has given me a job that both challenges me to develop and makes me happy, as I am doing something worthwhile and helping others. It is fantastic that there is now so much help being given to career guidance, so make sure that you take advantage of it.

I was one of the lucky ones at school in the sense that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had a fantastic geography teacher that inspired me to want to work with young people. However, that did not stop me from researching, enquiring and focussing my time and effort into the pathway that got me where I am today. I was encouraged to carry out volunteering work to give myself some ‘on the job’ experience of working with young people. I enjoyed it so much that I still do it to this day!

It is so important, whether you know what you want to do or you are undecided, that you research, ask questions and gain experience if you can. For example, I did not realise that there is more than one way to become a teacher until I asked someone. No question is ever silly and it might be that one thing that helps you decide.

I believe Careers are incredibly important in school as understanding what career options you have can give you drive and help you focus on the purpose of school and the skills you are learning in lessons.

I had very limited Careers guidance when I was at school and it made me feel uncertain and anxious when I left school and university, so just knowing your options and some goals is key.

Having completed my degree in Mechanical Engineering I left university during a recession. With careers difficult to find, I was one of the lucky ones who found a job, a good choice of course gave me options others did not have.

Working in Engineering for around 10 years I specialised as a Quality Engineer. As the country entered another recession I found myself redundant, with no other equivalent jobs available.

I looked for opportunities in other sectors whilst gaining employment in various jobs. Having a good level of education, I looked into the teaching profession, retrained and eventually qualified as a teacher at the age of 40.

This will help support students and raise awareness about languages careers.

It is important for students to be aware of career opportunities with languages and how languages can make a difference on a C.V.

It will also help break down stereotypes and false ideas.

Carriers in science are so varied from being an ecologist out in the field, doing bat surveys and looking for badger sets; to working in a lab using CRISPR to engineer microbes to break down plastics. There will be jobs that students have to consider that have not even been invented yet! Looking at all the options beyond the obvious when it comes to careers in science is something that every student should think about.

During my own journey I have worked in research labs in America and the UK, partnered with European universities and the European Union in funding green research projects and genetically engineered microbes! I also found a love of teaching and sharing the science I have learnt with students. Finding your passion in a subject is key to ensuring that whatever you decide on as your career, you enjoy it.

Secondary school is a great opportunity for you to start thinking about what it is that you want to do when you grow up. It was when I was in year 9 that I realised that I wanted to teach PE.

I was inspired to teach by my PE teachers because they were doing what they loved every day.

I realised that one of my passions was sport and this helped me decide how I should shape my choices in school.

Ms Fowlston is a Learning Manager and AAP at Adwick. Having previously been a small business owner for 10 years and having a background in vocational training. Ms Fowlston is a fully qualified Hairdresser, Nail Technician and Beauty Therapist. Ms Fowlston is a qualified NVQ Assessor and is always keen to discuss vocational training with students.