If you are unsure about which job you would like, here are some suggestions for assisting you in identifying the careers you might enjoy.
Do an assessment of your careers interests and other aspects e.g. skills and values online at CareersPortal
Research the career ideas which have emerged from step one and two above in the following ways:
- Visit the Careers Portal website – in the career planning section have a look at the occupations/ industry sections.
- Contact the relevant Professional Body or Association for the career area you are interested in.
- Browse through the jobs section of the national and regional newspapers and recruitment websites each week and watch out for job vacancies you think you might enjoy – take note of the skills and qualifications they are looking for. You may already be qualified or you can do further research towards gaining those qualifications in our Course Information section.
- Attend Career events e.g. the annual Higher Options Conference in September held in the RDS (Dublin).
- If there is an organisation you would like to work for but do not know if you would have the necessary qualifications, contact their Human Resources/Personnel office and ask them about their positions and qualifications required.
- If you know someone who has a job, you would like to do, ask them about their work and entry routes to that career.
- Visit your nearest Adult Educational Guidance Service
- Browse the career books/directories in your local library /Adult Educational Guidance Service.
When you have identified career areas which most suit your interests and in which you are most likely to feel fulfilled and competent and be successful, there are other practical considerations to take into account which will help you narrow down your choices so that the career you choose to follow at this stage in your life will fit best with your lifestyle choices.
- Can you commit the time and other resources required to gain the qualification(s) you need to enter that career?
- Location of job opportunities
- Terms and conditions of employment
- Salary and other benefits
- Hours of work
- Flexibility regarding hours of work
- Culture/ethos of the organisation
- Promotional opportunities
- Professional development opportunities
- Childcare facilities
- Health factors
- Work life balance
If you have not already identified your ideal career in steps 1-4, you may wish to make an appointment with a Guidance counsellor.
- At Intreo Centres, you can get employment supports to help you back into work, training or education. You might like to contact your local Intreo office to arrange an appointment with a Case Officer.
- Are you currently a participant on a VTOS, Literacy, BTEI or Community education programme? You might like to make an appointment with the Guidance Counsellor in your nearest Adult Educational Guidance Service
- Are you in full time employment? The Institute of Guidance Counsellors website provides contact details of private Guidance counsellors.
- Are you a graduate? Visit your college’s careers office for assistance.
If you have identified some careers that interest you but for which you are not qualified go to the Course Information section. On the other hand if you are qualified you are now ready to go job hunting.