If you have just left school and aren’t sure about your next step, you’re not alone. Thousands of 16 to 18-year-olds have finished school and are ready to explore the world of work. These tips from youth-friendly organisation ABDO will help you make the leap.
School leavers – ready to make the jump to working?
You may have something lined up already, but if you don’t, here are some tips to help you explore what you might like to do.
1. You’ve got to start somewhere.
If you haven’t worked before, it can be hard to know what to do. Keep it simple – you don’t need to find a career for life today. Instead, look for two or three jobs in your local area. Check out websites, social media and shop windows. Send in your CV or fill in the job application form, and see what happens. You will gain experience in applying for jobs, you might get an interview, and you may even find a role you love.
2. Get some experience.
If you are looking for your first job, fill in the time with volunteering and work experience. Not only will you learn about different workplaces and develop your skills, you might find that the organisation will also give you a reference. And sometimes work experience and volunteering can lead to a job too.
3. Ask yourself: What do you want?
There may be plenty of people trying to advise you on jobs you can do, but how do you decide which one? Make a list of what you are looking for in a job – do you like to be out and about, or would you prefer to work in a shop or office? Would you like to work in a big place or somewhere with fewer people? When you hear about an opportunity, look at your list and see if it fits some of your criteria.
4. Think about an apprenticeship.
It’s a great way to start work, gain experience and get a qualification too. There are apprenticeships for you if you are interested in fashion, retail, science, technology, health and business.
5. Say yes!
Don’t be so afraid of getting the wrong job that you end up with no job at all. If you are given an opportunity to work, whether it is full time or part time, or in an industry you had never considered, give it a go. With each job you will gain skills and experience, and in time you will find the perfect role for you.
Discover Careers In Eyecare with ABDO
From retail jobs to science roles, early careers in eyecare have a lot to offer.
Careers In Eyecare
