Careers & Progression

Once you have identified your skills and have an idea of the kinds of careers you might be suited to and would like to do, it is time to explore what is out there. It is also worth exploring new opportunities that may have not even emerged yet. Below are a few jobs that have emerged in the last 10 years and will evolve and grow.

Do you have a hobby that you would love to turn into a job? For example, you love gaming and wondered whether you could turn that passion into a career! Well it is definitely worth exploring what might be possible. Did you know that for every computer game that is released there are up to a hundred different jobs that go into producing that game from storyboarding, technical requirements, planning, audio, mechanics to testing and marketing. A variety of skills are involved in producing each particular game. The video games industry is enormous and expanding and there are interesting ways of getting noticed and involved. Games companies are always on the look out for testers, there are platforms like “ArtStation” for would-be amateur designers to showcase their designs and online platforms like www.intogames.org to check out for information and opportunities. Other industries will also showcase their work and opportunities so research in your chosen area of interest is key!

Employers will often say that recruiting someone with the right skills is just as important as qualifications, and you will already have a great base of skills from your life experience so far. The main skills that employers seek are listed below:

• Communication - being able to listen to and share information verbally as well as in writing. In the working world, you will need to be good at communicating in order to present your work, get on well with colleagues, address issues in meetings, and write professionally.

• Teamwork - being able to work with others towards a shared goal. This is a vital skill to have as every job will involve working collaboratively with other people. You need to be able to listen to others, take on board their suggestions, as well as input your own ideas.

• Problem-solving - being able to think logically and rationally to find a solution to a particular issue. In all walks of life, problems will occur and it is important that you can see them as a challenge to overcome, particularly when it comes to the world of work.

• Organisation/time-management - being able to plan your tasks, prioritise tasks by importance, and work to your initiative (thinking for yourself without always needing guidance). An organised person is a valuable employee as they will know what they need to do, and when.

Volunteering - not only can you improve your skills, but you can also give back to your community, and grow your confidence. It looks great on a CV and you can really tailor it to your interests, for example, working with children or animals, supporting a local hospital, or volunteering with national and international charities. With all of the extra time people currently have indoors looking for online opportunities will really tell any future employer a lot about you and your motivation; from testing future games to phoning and checking on an elderly person, each activity will develop essential life skills that will make you be more employable.

Work Experience - whether you go and spend a day, a week or a month at a business or company, you will gain valuable skills. Furthermore, you can shadow other employees and learn the ways of the business world and what different environments are like. This could also help in showing you what you don't want to do. In the current climate there are lots of free "virtual" work experience opportunities, such as this from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, for anyone looking to work in medicine or related careers.

Part-time work - having a part time job in a café or supermarket, or even helping your family in their businesses, babysitting or dog walking can all improve your skills, develop your independence, and add to your CV. You can also continue with work alongside your future studies, whether that be at college or university.

We've included some links below to useful websites which provide more information on careers and progression:

If you are not already part of the University of Sussex Access Programme, please sign up to learn more about what it is like to study at university. Being part of the programme gives you access to a range of subject-specific academic events delivered by University of Sussex academics, Multi-Subject Taster Days, and a chance to attend our summer residential programme. All events free to take part-in, and include our student ambassadors. All you need to do is join our programme here.