Professional bodies are aimed at individuals who work in a particular profession or job role and their fundamental aim is to support, up-skill and promote that profession.  

A chartership is a formal qualification awarded to a person in recognition of a particular level of competence in their professional field. It is awarded by the person's relevant professional body or learned society. 

Below are links to the ten largest professional bodies in the UK but you can search on the internet for professional bodies in your areas of interest. These websites will provide you with information about the industry, issues within it as well as specific career guidance.

We also have access to Kudos, the leading career development service helping you to explore, develop and maximise your potential.  You can learn about the numerous pathways available to you such as further education, higher education, and apprenticeships. 

Kudos can match your skills, personality, likes and dislikes to particular careers.  You can also search careers through the subjects you study or particularly enjoy. 

Click on the logo below to access the site.  You will need our licence code to set up an account.  Ask your tutor, Miss Stickland or Miss Quinn for this information 

Engineering Industry: Health & Social Care Industry:

Construction Industry: Marine & Maritime Industry:

1. What are my interests?

The activities you enjoy doing in your free time can give you insight into the careers that would be satisfying, fulfilling and fun. To figure out your interests, ask yourself:

• What hobbies do I enjoy?

• Do I prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?

• Do I enjoy working with people, animals, data or books?

• What activities would I miss the most if I could no longer do them?

2. What are my skills?

Right now, you possess skills that can help you succeed in the future. Think about your hard skills and soft skills.

• Hard skills - skills you’ve acquired through study, such as culinary arts or computer programming.

• Soft skills - the people and life skills you possess, including teamwork and time management.

3. What are my talents and strengths?

If you don't know your talents and strengths, make a list of everything you’re good at doing. Your family members, friends, teachers or boss can help you write this list that you will use to narrow down potential careers.

4. What is my personality?

Your personality is the way you think, feel and behave. It can be an important part of your career, so consider several aspects of your personality as you think about your future.

• Are you a leader or follower?

• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

• Do you prefer to cooperate or compete with others?

• Do you enjoy helping others or prefer to empower them to do things themselves?

• Are you a thinker who focuses on ideas or are you a doer who takes action?

• Are you a creative and artistic person or do you thrive with structure and routine?

5. What are my values?

Everyone has values or things that are important to them, such as financial security, social justice or work-life balance. These values can help you decide what type of career to pursue. Consider a career that pays well if you value financial security, and consider a 9-to-5 job if you want to achieve work-life balance.

6. What education or training do I need?

Certain careers require advanced education and financial investment. For example, you may need eight to 12 years of education and training to be a doctor, but you could earn a hospitality management bachelor in four years. Think about the time and money required to pursue a career as you make your decision.

7. Are there jobs available in this career?

According to Eurostat, 21.4 million people work in personal services and sales, the two most popular careers in the EU. While you don’t have to work in one of these popular occupations, you should consider the potential job availability in your future career field.  We know that technology is changing the world of work and it is important you consider the impact it may have on your careers of interest.  Look at the labour market information above for popular industries in our area as well as Career Pilot at the top of the page which can tell you whether the careers you are interested in are growing or shrinking.

8. How much money do I want to make?

Different careers provide different monetary rewards. Even though salary shouldn’t be the main factor in choosing a career, your paycheck can play a role in your quality of life and where you live. Consider your earning potential as you narrow your career options. 

9. Where do I want to live?

Some jobs are more readily accessible while others can only be performed in certain locations. For example, you will probably need to live in a rural location if you choose to work as a park ranger or farmer, and you may want to live near an urban area if you plan to pursue a finance or fashion career. Plan carefully to ensure you can work where you want to live.

10. Why do I want to pursue this career?

Always ask yourself why you want to pursue a certain career as you evaluate which choice is right for you. Don’t let the opinions or expectations of others sway your decision. Ultimately, your career choice is solely yours.