For National Careers Week, we’re sharing career advice from the amazing people who work at Career Ready.
National Careers Week is all about giving young people careers advice, guidance and resources to help them in their career journeys, whether they’re just at the beginning or taking their first steps. So, we thought we’d gather some wisdom from our team! From the beauty of squiggly careers to bringing your best self to work, here’s our tips and guidance for navigating the world of work.
On the power of you
Believe in yourself. Even if you feel a job is out of your depth, apply anyway. Have the confidence in the unique qualities that you possess – you have something to offer that nobody else will have! – Sangeeta, Regional Manager for London
Easier said than done but try not to be distracted by what everybody else is doing or wants to do. It’s so easy to look around and think everybody else has got things sorted. This is your journey, so it doesn’t matter what anybody else is doing, you do what you need to do. The path may twist, turn and sometimes go back on itself but you gain experience all of that time. – Emily, Internships Manager
Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to something that scares you, it’s a great way to learn new things and also help you better understand what you do and don’t like about certain roles. – Pamela, Regional Manager for Glasgow
There’s no wrong path, do what makes you happy! If you don’t like what you are doing change it, there is nothing that can’t be changed. Be brave, don’t do something for years and regret it because you were scared. Most of all work to live don’t live to work! – Regional Manager
Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone – new experiences and challenges develop your skills and your confidence. – Steve, Head of Programmes for the North
On your career path
It’s ok to not have all the answers straight away! Your career will develop and change as you develop and change and discover new skills and passions. Your career might be a straightforward path or a winding river, and both options are brilliant. – Alex, Regional Manager for Norfolk
Career journeys rarely go in a straight line. You might not find the perfect role or career early on, but every job you do builds your skills and experience in one way or another – always try and see the benefit in that. – Career Ready Stakeholder Communications Manager
If you don’t know what you want to do in the future yet, follow your interests and what makes you curious. Career pathways can always change in fun and exciting ways throughout your whole life, so for now, you may as well enjoy yourself as you learn! – Raiesa, Regional Manager for London
It is OK to change your mind about your career path and you definitely don’t need to stick to one path forever more. Try things out, change your mind many times, find what you love, then love something else down the line – it is all OK, it’s your life to live, enjoy and experience. – Janine, Head of Programmes and Operations, Scotland
Things to remember once you’re in the working world
Never stop learning new things! – Dimitra, Data Officer
No one has a clue what they’re doing! As established and experienced as people might seem, especially those in senior positions, remember that we’re all humans who are winging it, figuring things out and making mistakes as we go. So don’t worry about getting stuff wrong, or not knowing how to handle things – mistakes are a good sign! They show us that we’re learning and trying new things and being creative, and that is a much better way to work. – Henna, Senior Content Officer
This may not be the most profound pieces of career advice, and I don’t always succeed at them, but I genuinely think these three things combined can get you a long way in life.
- Turn up and get the basics right: We all need and want moments of brilliance, but so much of work is about turning up and getting the basic things right every day. People know that they can consistently rely on you.
- Be well organised: Knowing exactly what you need to do and when for sounds like the most basic level of project management but it often feels like a cheat code for getting stuff done.
- Be polite: People like working with people who are polite and make them feel good about what they’re doing. It doesn’t take much to recognise the contributions someone has made and to thank them for it, but it can make a big difference to the other person. Future stuff you work on with them will be easier – and more enjoyable. – Tom, Head of Communications
My best advice is to be open to opportunities, develop transferrable skills and don’t limit yourself. On a practical note, keep your CV and LinkedIn up-to-date at all times and make a note of all your experiences, successes and training. – Cara, Alumni Manager
Find out about as many different careers and career pathways as possible even in sectors that you haven’t previously thought of. Once you have a career in mind, try to connect with people who work in that role to find out why they like their job and also what the challenges are. – Karen, Regional Manager for Yorkshire
And for now…
Take the time to research all the many careers that align with your favourite subjects at school. You might just discover a career you didn’t know existed. – Mhairi, Programme Operations Lead, Scotland
If an opportunity is offered to you which frightens you or makes you feel nervous, take it. – Sian, Head of Programmes
Be yourself and enjoy the journey! – Priya, Corporate Partnerships Manager, London