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Exploring Careers: A Guide for Pre-University Students
20/10/2023•6 minute read
Have you ever pondered the question, "Which career path should I choose?" If so, you're in good company. With the job market being as competitive as it is today, it's common for pre-university students to find themselves contemplating this crucial decision. This juncture in your life is a golden opportunity to explore a multitude of career options, uncover your passions, and make well-informed decisions about your education and future. In this blog post, we're here to offer you a thorough guide to kickstart your career exploration journey.
How can I begin contemplating my future career as a pre-university student?
1. Self-Reflection
The first step in kicking off your career exploration journey is to do some self-reflection. Spend a moment pondering your interests, strengths, and what truly matters to you. Getting to know yourself is akin to building a solid foundation for a satisfying career ahead. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get started:
- What activities or subjects do I enjoy in my free time?
- What are my strengths and skills?
- What subjects do I excel in academically?
- What values are important to me?
- Are there specific causes or issues that I am passionate about?
- Do I thrive in a collaborative setting or prefer working independently?
- What are my long-term goals and aspirations?
- What achievements or milestones would make me feel successful?
- What careers align with my personality type?
- What does a typical day in a potential career look like?
- Can I envision myself enjoying the daily tasks and responsibilities of a specific job?
- Have I sought information about the day-to-day realities of various professions?
- What educational path is required for my chosen career?
- Am I open to adaptability and lifelong learning?
- Am I willing to embrace change and growth in my career?
Take our fun quiz to uncover your strengths and passions, utilising it as a navigational tool to contemplate your future career!
2. Research, Research, Research
After you've got a good grasp of who you are, it's time to dive into career research on websites like LinkedIn, MyCareersFuture Singapore, and Indeed. Start exploring different industries and professions. The internet is a goldmine of knowledge, so make the most of it. Dig into details like job availability, potential earnings, and what it takes to land a job in various careers. Keep an eye out for industries that match your interests and goals.
3. Seek Guidance
Don't shy away from seeking guidance from your teachers, career counsellors, mentors, or professionals in the field you're interested in. They hold a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they're there to help. They can share valuable insights and advice that come from real-life experiences. Plus, they can shed light on the academic and training necessities for various careers.
4. Internships and Volunteering
A fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and delve into a potential career is through internships and volunteering. Fortunately, many organisations extend internship opportunities to pre-university students. These experiences offer a glimpse into the day-to-day tasks of a specific job while also allowing you to expand your professional network within the industry.
For those of you eager to jump into the world of virtual work experiences, consider checking out Delta Institute. They offer a multitude of opportunities to work with prestigious Fortune 500 companies like Uber, Ferrari, Dentons, PWC, and more. It's an excellent chance for you to explore what a job might entail through engaging project-based work, all while picking up skills that could prove invaluable in the future.
5. Networking
Networking is a key element in the career exploration process. Consider attending career fairs, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded individuals and professionals in your chosen field. Additionally, joining professional organisations and associations that align with your interests can be incredibly beneficial. These connections can serve as valuable sources of information and may even open doors to potential opportunities down the road.
6. Educational Pathways
Dive deep into the educational pathways needed for your desired career. Different professions have distinct educational prerequisites, with some mandating specific degrees or certifications. However, it's essential to note that alternative routes into many careers also exist.
By familiarising yourself with these educational requirements, you'll be better equipped to chart a strategic path through your pre-university and college years. Understanding these prerequisites will help you make informed decisions about your education and training, ensuring that you're well-prepared to pursue your chosen career path effectively.
Here are some guides we have put together for the following career choices:
How Does Crimson Education Help Pre-University Students Explore Their Career Pathways?
We encourage students to engage in a variety of quizzes as part of a structured approach to exploring different facets of their personality, interests, and skills in connection to potential career paths.
These quizzes include the Holland Code (RIASEC) Test, where students rate 48 tasks based on their enjoyment level on a scale of 1 to 5, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which identifies students' personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
However, the quiz results are just the beginning of the conversation. They act as catalysts, enabling students to discuss their preferences with our strategists, who delve deeper into exploring career pathways based on a multitude of factors.
In addition, our students are paired with academic enrichment mentors focused on delving deeper into a specific major or career field. These mentors, whether graduate students specialising in a similar major or thriving professionals in the same field, provide valuable insights derived from their personal experiences. Actively engaging in meaningful conversations, they guide students in discovering and refining their interests.
