in-transit — Be something. Go somewhere. find your thing and create an exciting future.
Career Seekers
Career. It’s just a fancy word for job!
What were you going to be when you were six? Changed your mind or still sticking to the plan? Choosing a career is tough. You haven’t tried anything so how do you know what you’ll like? Well there are some things you can do to find your thing and come up with careers that might be right for you. So here goes.
Make a plan while you’re at school.
Even if you’re not sure what your future career will be it’s a good idea to make a plan – you can always change it. Think about what you’re good at, what you like to do and what actions you can take to keep on track to achieve your goals.
All Year 10 students, and some in Year 11-13, in 75 schools around NZ are trying out ‘Designing Careers’. They’ll be making their own Learning and Career Plans in school. Check out if Designing Careers is coming to your school here or talk to your teacher or careers advisor about how you can create a career plan.
Schools where Designing Careers is going on.
Take the career quiz.
Astronaut, fashion designer or celebrity chef? Pathfinder is a free online tool you can use to find careers that suit you. As well as ‘finding your thing’, you can work out how to make it all happen. And you’ll end up with your own personal career plan.
Go to the KiwiCareers Pathfinder Tool.
Look at all the choices.
Before you make up your mind you need to know what’s out there. Career Services can help. Their advice is free and there are lots of ways to get their help. The KiwiCareers website has heaps of information on more than 650 different jobs and careers, as well as what courses and qualifications you need to get the job you want.
You can talk to a CareerPoint Advisor and get free information and advice by calling CareerPoint on 0800 222 733 or chat to an advisor online. If you want to talk to someone face-to-face about your career and training options visit one of the 16 CareerCentres all over NZ. Call 0800 109 901 to find out where the CareerCentre closest to you is.
Try a few things.
If you’re interested in something you can’t learn at school and you’re keen to give tertiary study a go, talk to your Careers Advisor or STAR Co-ordinator about what you could do. STAR courses are an easy way to try something and see if you like it before jumping into full-time study. As well as learning something new you could also get credits towards a qualification while you’re still at school.
Learning new skills and getting real life work experience can help you make up your mind on a career before you make a big change. If you’re a student in Year 11, 12 or 13 and your school is part of the Gateway programme, you might be able to get a job in your community while you’re still at school. It’s a great way to learn new skills and try something before you decide to leave school or start a qualification. Talk to your teacher, school careers advisor or transitions co-ordinator about Gateway, or you can find out more online.
Did you know?
You can get a qualification without going in to debt. More than 7,000 young people are doing it right now.
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