By Caroline Armour
Having a clear idea of what you want to be ‘when you grow up’ is a luxury most people aren’t lucky enough to have. It feels an awful lot like trying to look into the future, but short of investing in a crystal ball here are some questions which might just spark an idea about your future career.
1. Do you have a passion for something?
Is there something you are really interested in that you do just because you love it? If there’s something that springs to mind, then do a little research and see if it translates into the workplace, or if there’s a course or internship that relates to it.
2. Fresh air or office chair?
If being indoors all day sounds claustrophobic, or if the great outdoors just sounds far too muddy for you, you’ve already got a good idea about the type of working lifestyle you are interested in.
3. Are you organised?
Keeping to a tight schedule and working to deadlines can be exciting for some people but stressful for others. Likewise, if keeping other people organised or being the steering force for a team is your worst nightmare, or a perfect way to keep yourself busy, you’re even closer to having an idea of what you want to do.
4. Are you a people person?
If working face to face with people everyday sounds perfect, then don’t shoot for a job that will have you working alone for most of the time. Knowledge is incredibly useful and can avoid surprises later on. Also, a little research might spark an idea so if they aren’t coming to mind naturally, get out there and try and get inspired. Talk to people already in work, or to people in higher education, with any luck they will have good advice and relevant experiences to help you along.
5. Time for higher education?
Some courses take longer than others, from a matter of months to upwards of five years. Being a student is a great experience but remember higher education isn’t for everyone and if you don’t think it’s for you, that’s okay too.
For more career inspiration be sure to visit Futures Fest @ The Arches, Glasgow on the 18th & 19th March.
Join in and tweet us your thoughts and advice @futuresfest.