With the new school or college year just getting started you may feel that it is too early to start thinking about what you want to do next. Getting used to new surroundings, meeting new people, and (of course) your studies are probably taking up much of your time. Added to that are the other things that are probably calling for your attention, like your part-time job and meeting up with friends, and you may not feel you have time for much else – especially when you feel you have months to go before you even need to start worrying about what’s next. However, by giving your future some thought right now, you can begin to make some preparations, make sure you make the right choice when the time comes, and even concentrate on your studies secure in the knowledge of where you need them to take you next.
Just as all of your school work so far has led you to where you are now, so your next months of study will take you on to either further learning or into the workplace. Which direction you take is for you to decide, but don’t worry as there is plenty of help out there for you. Speaking with your friends and family about your future will help you begin to work through some of the options, but it is perhaps best to do a little bit of your own research first.
Using places like this very website as well as speaking to a careers advisor will help you to look into the options that are available. You might like to start with your dream job and work backwards to see what qualifications you will need to get there. Will you need to get a degree or other qualification, or will you be able to train on the job and work your way up?
Many jobs will have a variety of different routes to get there, so you may have some extra choices to make – allowing you to decide which route suits you best. By looking at some of the facts first you can then speak with your friends and family with a little bit more knowledge of what is required. This may, in turn, help them to see that you are serious and have really thought through what you want to do next. It will also give you a clear idea as to what to aim for, and maybe even where you need to concentrate your efforts. Even if your decision changes, you will be familiar of where to look to find out the facts.
As well as researching your options, by beginning to think about your future now, you have time to maybe even test the water. You may be able to find some relevant work experience, allowing you to gain some genuine insight which will help you see if you have made the right decision, while also getting some invaluable experience! You may find that your dream job wasn’t all you thought it was, but maybe find that something similar or related was far more appealing.
While thinking about your future allows you to start planning and making sure you are prepared, the exact opposite can be said for not bothering. Leave your decision-making too late and you won’t have the time to really look at your options, and certainly not to check out the choice for real. Instead, you may find that your decisions are being made for you as you rush to get on an available course or simply start looking for any available job. While you still have plenty of time, it never hurts to start thinking of your future right now.
