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How do you know what career path to choose?
I want to get a taste of different jobs and what hobbies people do recreationally link to that job, so when I choose my GCSE"s ( exams that universities look at), I know which subjects to choose to open many opportunties to the variety of jobs I'm considering
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5 answers
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Dicky’s Answer
Hi,
That's a really good question. I don't think there is one perfect way to choose a career path. For me, what helped most was learning from people who were already where I wanted to be.
One thing I learned is that having a mentor can make a big difference. A mentor can share their experiences, answer your questions, and help you avoid mistakes. I also think it's helpful to find someone whose career interests you and follow their path to understand how they got there. Looking at the steps they took can help you create your own vision and stay focused on your goals.
In my own career, I didn't start in banking. I worked in the window and glass industry for 8 years before moving into banking. If you had asked me when I was your age what I would be doing today, I probably wouldn't have known. That's why I believe it's okay not to have everything figured out right now.
Since you're choosing your GCSEs, I'd recommend keeping as many opportunities open as possible while also choosing subjects you enjoy and can do well in. Your interests may change as you learn more about different careers.
Most importantly, don't feel pressured to pick your entire future today. Focus on learning, exploring, and meeting people who can guide you. Sometimes the best opportunities come from conversations with people who have already walked the path you're thinking about taking.
The fact that you're asking these questions now shows maturity and curiosity. Keep exploring, keep learning, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from people whose careers inspire you. Good luck with your GCSE choices!
Talk to people who work in jobs you're interested in.
Look up what a typical day in those jobs looks like.
Find mentors, teachers, or professionals who can share their experiences.
Notice what hobbies and interests connect to different careers.
Make a list of careers you're considering and compare the skills and subjects each one requires.
That's a really good question. I don't think there is one perfect way to choose a career path. For me, what helped most was learning from people who were already where I wanted to be.
One thing I learned is that having a mentor can make a big difference. A mentor can share their experiences, answer your questions, and help you avoid mistakes. I also think it's helpful to find someone whose career interests you and follow their path to understand how they got there. Looking at the steps they took can help you create your own vision and stay focused on your goals.
In my own career, I didn't start in banking. I worked in the window and glass industry for 8 years before moving into banking. If you had asked me when I was your age what I would be doing today, I probably wouldn't have known. That's why I believe it's okay not to have everything figured out right now.
Since you're choosing your GCSEs, I'd recommend keeping as many opportunities open as possible while also choosing subjects you enjoy and can do well in. Your interests may change as you learn more about different careers.
Most importantly, don't feel pressured to pick your entire future today. Focus on learning, exploring, and meeting people who can guide you. Sometimes the best opportunities come from conversations with people who have already walked the path you're thinking about taking.
The fact that you're asking these questions now shows maturity and curiosity. Keep exploring, keep learning, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from people whose careers inspire you. Good luck with your GCSE choices!
Dicky recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Shubham’s Answer
Hi! I think it's great that you're already exploring different career options before choosing your GCSE subjects.
One thing I'd recommend is focusing on subjects that interest you while keeping your options open. For example, Maths, English, and Science provide a strong foundation for several career paths, while subjects like Computer Science, Business, or Design & Technology can help you explore specific interests.
A few things I'd suggest:
1. Explore different careers: Look into what professionals actually do on a daily basis. YouTube videos, career talks, and conversations with professionals can give you a better understanding.
2. Try different activities: If you're interested in engineering, try building something or learning basic coding. If business interests you, consider starting a small project or joining a school club.
3. Check future requirements: Some university courses require specific A-level subjects, so it's worth researching these before finalizing your GCSE choices.
I studied mechanical engineering, started my career in the automotive industry, and eventually moved into business and operations management. My career turned out quite differently from what I initially expected!
My advice would be to choose subjects you enjoy and can perform well in, while making sure they don't close doors to careers you're seriously considering.
Good luck!
One thing I'd recommend is focusing on subjects that interest you while keeping your options open. For example, Maths, English, and Science provide a strong foundation for several career paths, while subjects like Computer Science, Business, or Design & Technology can help you explore specific interests.
A few things I'd suggest:
1. Explore different careers: Look into what professionals actually do on a daily basis. YouTube videos, career talks, and conversations with professionals can give you a better understanding.
2. Try different activities: If you're interested in engineering, try building something or learning basic coding. If business interests you, consider starting a small project or joining a school club.
3. Check future requirements: Some university courses require specific A-level subjects, so it's worth researching these before finalizing your GCSE choices.
I studied mechanical engineering, started my career in the automotive industry, and eventually moved into business and operations management. My career turned out quite differently from what I initially expected!
My advice would be to choose subjects you enjoy and can perform well in, while making sure they don't close doors to careers you're seriously considering.
Good luck!
Updated
Asia’s Answer
Hi, these are some of the things I think you should try:
How to get a taste of different jobs
Ask people. Talk to family, friends' parents and teachers: "What do you actually do all day? What did you study?" Most people enjoy being asked.
Try free career quizzes. The National Careers Service (UK) has a free quiz and job profiles that show salary, daily tasks and the subjects you need. If your school uses Unifrog or Start Profile, use those too.
Watch "day in the life" videos for jobs you're curious about. They're quick and surprisingly revealing.
Get work experience or shadow someone, even for one day. Year 10 work experience is a great chance, so pick something you're unsure about, not just something easy.
Join clubs and try summer taster courses. Many universities run free ones for teenagers in subjects like engineering, law, and medicine.
Notice what you lose track of time doing. That's often a better clue than any quiz.
Things to keep in mind
Most people change career directions more than once, and lots of jobs today didn't exist 15 years ago. Skills like writing, problem-solving and working with numbers carry over to almost anything.
If you're between two subjects, pick the one that keeps more options open, usually the more "academic" one, unless you really dislike it.
Before you finalize, talk to your school's careers adviser. They'll know what your school offers and which subject combinations are allowed.
Bottom line: Get strong grades in English, Math, and Science, keep a balanced mix, add subjects you enjoy, and spend the next couple of years trying things. You're not choosing a career yet, just keeping your options wide open.
How to get a taste of different jobs
Ask people. Talk to family, friends' parents and teachers: "What do you actually do all day? What did you study?" Most people enjoy being asked.
Try free career quizzes. The National Careers Service (UK) has a free quiz and job profiles that show salary, daily tasks and the subjects you need. If your school uses Unifrog or Start Profile, use those too.
Watch "day in the life" videos for jobs you're curious about. They're quick and surprisingly revealing.
Get work experience or shadow someone, even for one day. Year 10 work experience is a great chance, so pick something you're unsure about, not just something easy.
Join clubs and try summer taster courses. Many universities run free ones for teenagers in subjects like engineering, law, and medicine.
Notice what you lose track of time doing. That's often a better clue than any quiz.
Things to keep in mind
Most people change career directions more than once, and lots of jobs today didn't exist 15 years ago. Skills like writing, problem-solving and working with numbers carry over to almost anything.
If you're between two subjects, pick the one that keeps more options open, usually the more "academic" one, unless you really dislike it.
Before you finalize, talk to your school's careers adviser. They'll know what your school offers and which subject combinations are allowed.
Bottom line: Get strong grades in English, Math, and Science, keep a balanced mix, add subjects you enjoy, and spend the next couple of years trying things. You're not choosing a career yet, just keeping your options wide open.
Updated
Clairessa’s Answer
Honestly, throughout life, you may find yourself exploring multiple jobs across different career paths, and that’s okay. I believe the best approach is to pursue opportunities that genuinely interest you, challenge you, and allow you to grow. Your career doesn’t have to align perfectly with your hobbies or passions, but it should provide you with opportunities to build the kind of life you want. Sometimes, figuring out what you don’t enjoy is just as valuable as discovering what you love. Keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to change direction as you grow.
Updated
Leana’s Answer
One thing I've learned is that you don't have to have your entire career figured out right away. The best way to know if a path is right for you is to pay attention to how you feel when you're actually doing the work, not just thinking about the title or the paycheck.
Ask yourself:
Am I curious enough about this field to keep learning about it?
Do I enjoy the day-to-day activities it requires?
Can I see myself doing this work even when it's challenging?
Does it align with my strengths and interests?
The best way to find the answer is through experience. Talk to people in different careers, seek internships, volunteer, shadow professionals, take classes, or work on projects related to your interests. Every experience, even the ones you don't enjoy, helps you get closer to what fits.
Don't put pressure on yourself to find the "perfect" career. Instead, focus on discovering what energizes you, what you're naturally good at, and what kind of work gives you a sense of purpose. Your career will evolve over time, and it's okay if your first step isn't your final destination.
Ask yourself:
Am I curious enough about this field to keep learning about it?
Do I enjoy the day-to-day activities it requires?
Can I see myself doing this work even when it's challenging?
Does it align with my strengths and interests?
The best way to find the answer is through experience. Talk to people in different careers, seek internships, volunteer, shadow professionals, take classes, or work on projects related to your interests. Every experience, even the ones you don't enjoy, helps you get closer to what fits.
Don't put pressure on yourself to find the "perfect" career. Instead, focus on discovering what energizes you, what you're naturally good at, and what kind of work gives you a sense of purpose. Your career will evolve over time, and it's okay if your first step isn't your final destination.