Personal Guidance

What is Careers?

''It's about young people finding purpose, discovering what matters to them, their place in the world, the point of studying and getting up in the morning. Sometimes people think careers is just information about options and planning for the future. It's so much more. It can give hope, meaning, purpose, self esteem and the ability to navigate the challenges of life.''

- Liane Hambly

What to expect from your 1:1 Careers Discussion

Career of the month: Careers AdviserEach month we take a look at one of the 650 career pathways featured within Indigo. This month we're exploring the role of a Careers Adviser. Find out what's involved in the role from in this excerpt from the career

Careers and Aspirations Coordinator

Hayley Dymond

Careers Development Institute (CDI) Member

Qualified 15 years

Careers Guidance with Qualification of Careers Guidance (QCG)

Find me in the Careers Office on the Science Corridor

Purpose

To have an impartial and confidential conversation about career–related matters. You may wish to discuss career ideas, subject choices , post-16 options, post-18 options, and finding employment. You may be seeking advice on application forms and CV writing. You may require help sifting through the rapidly changing information regarding courses and the vast array of occupations out there. You may have a support network of teachers, peers and parents/carers who can give you some guidance, but a Careers Adviser can give you all the most up-to-date information and advice. No matter what you want to discuss there is a familiar structure to our 1:1 sessions.

Your career guidance session is about YOU

You set the agenda. Your adviser may make suggestions on options you could consider. It’s a two-way conversation.

As we spend a significant amount of time in education and work, getting professional advice means you could find options which are engaging and makes the best use of your talents and personal qualities.

You do not need a career in mind to see a Careers Adviser.

Process

Your Careers Adviser will:

Actively listen
Be supportive
Acknowledge you
Be respectful
Be emphatic
Have good communication skills
Ask open questions
Be impartial

Your Careers Adviser wants to help you successfully reach your careers goals. So you may:

Be challenged on your thoughts
Be questioned about your careers goals or planning
Leave with an understanding of your strengths and areas for development
Explore the challenges you face to reach your next step
Leave with specific information around qualifications for chosen occupation and information about the current labour market

Preparation

Additional Resources

''Squiggly'' Careers

The best career path isn't always a straight lineConventional wisdom frames the ideal career path as a linear one -- a ladder to be climbed with a single-minded focus to get to the top. Career development consultants Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper invite you to replace this outdated and limiting model with "squiggly" careers: dynamic, open-ended growth paths tailor-made for your individual needs, talents and ambitions. A radical rethink for anyone who feels restricted and defined by the limits of the corporate ladder.

ikigai (ee-key-guy)

ikigai is a motivating force. The thing that gets you out of bed or is your purpose. ikigai comprises of two elements: iki meaning life and gai meaning worth, result.

The perception of ikigai - Ikigai LivingThe ikigai diagram created by Marc Winn changed the perception of ikigai and how to find it by merging a Venn diagram on 'purpose' with that of the Japanese concept.

CareersMap

Thinking About Your Next Steps?

Looking for career and qualification advice? Careermag provides a wealth of high-quality career information and qualification guidance.

Whether you’re considering your next steps after education, thinking about a career change or are currently on the job hunt, our articles from experts will share insights into the labour market, interview tips, techniques and support for application success. We’ll help you to discover your employability and transferrable skills, while industry leaders break down the diversity of career opportunities and pathways available.

Assessment: What’s Your Curiosity Profile?How you stack up in three key areas.

Assessment: 16 Personalities

Only 10 minutes to get a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are and why you do things the way you do.

CEIAG Program Information