Figuring out your ideal career

What made you want to become a career advisor?

Fundamentally, a desire to make a difference to the lives of others, and a belief in the value of education and of a broader student experience. I was also keen to find a role that would use and develop the skills that I felt I had, that was people-oriented and that meant I would continue to learn.  The role has given me all of this, and more.  

How did you get to your current position and how long have you occupied it?

I have been with Massey for almost fourteen years, having done a similar role in a university career service in England for the preceding thirteen. 

What does your work involve day-to-day?

• Careers guidance to Massey students and recent graduates, face-to-face and on-line. Increasingly, this is delivered one-to-many, as opposed to one-to-one, through workshops, seminars and technology.
• Development & maintenance of the Massey Career Centre web pages and student portal, career and labour market research and development/editing of on-line career resources.
• Design and facilitation of career workshops and seminars, and development of associated materials, often in tandem with academic and other colleagues and with student clubs.
• Participation in a range of outreach activities and facilitation of employer and alumni-led events. 

Advice for students and graduates

Where do I start when it comes to deciding upon an ideal career?

Without a doubt, realise that you are more than your qualifications.  Before deciding upon a career, and absolutely before applying for work, know yourself, what you want, what you can offer, what’s required and the difference that you want to make.

To find a role in which you’re happy and successful you should first assess factors such as your skills, interests, values, strengths and personality. Career services such as Massey’s can help you with this.  Indeed, we run a highly valued ‘Strengths@Massey’ programme for our students.

You can use this ‘self-appraisal’ to generate career ideas and can then look at options for which your qualifications might be required or expected.  Then, research what’s required to enter careers that appeal, typical employers of people in these roles and how they recruit and select. Consider any barriers that might get in the way of entering this role, how you might overcome these and people who may be able to help you.  

Crucially, realise that no career, or decision that you make now, is for life!

Should I focus on one career option, or come up with a whole list?

Probably neither. Certainly not one option but, equally, not too long a list.  It’s impossible to know everything that there is to know about every job and choosing and securing a role is often a job in itself.  It takes time, effort and resilience and starting to work your way through too long a list can lead to procrastination or even career paralysis!

What are some good ways to get a feel for a career without committing to it right away?

Certainly, by trying to secure an internship or other form of work experience or voluntary work in the field.  Also, by finding people working in roles that appeal and asking to interview them for information. If you choose the latter approach, don’t take one person’s word for it.  Try to interview a number of people, who’ve been in the career for a range of periods of time, and from a number of related roles, organisations and levels of seniority.

What are some of the most important criteria for evaluating a career pathway?

I’d say that you’d need to look at the qualifications, skills and experience typically sought for that career.  Also, the numbers employed and whether numbers are likely to grow or contract. Also, where people typically work, who employs people into these roles and how they recruit and select

It’s also important to look at what the day-to-day work is like in reality, and at how this compares with what you know about yourself – your likes and dislikes, interests, values strengths and skills etc.  Then, think of the likely impact of technology in this career and explore how your career might develop. You also need to look at what you want from a career – e.g. earning potential, job security, opportunities for professional development, flexible working etc. and at any limitations you have in following a particular pathway – e.g. commitments, location, skill gaps and so on.

Is there a good way to rule out a career pathway, even if I haven’t had the chance to work in it yet?

No single good way, but a number. It’s important to consider a career’s ‘fit’ with you, and for this you’ll first need to know yourself – your skills, interests and values etc.

After all, you’re aiming for a career choice that gives you impact, job satisfaction and career capital. Then, you’ll need to research and assess what’s out there. In this, be realistic. What’s your level of potential in careers you’re researching, and what difficulties might you face in achieving success? However, don’t forget to ask yourself ‘what could I become good at?’  

I’d also say talk with people who are actually doing the job.  Better still, see if you can arrange to ‘shadow’ them at work for a day or so.