Add Category
She facilitates vocational assessments, which involve an initial conversation with a client, reviewing their resume and understanding if their personal experiences and background are relevant in exploring what career to pursue.
Loading
“I try to explore what people have enjoyed from past experiences and what they haven’t. I also want to explore what knowledge they have. Once we’ve got that framework, my role is not to narrow down to one job but to open up opportunities to say – vocationally – what kind of work someone is suited to.”
Carter might explore whether someone likes working with people; whether they enjoy deep and complex problem-solving or working with their hands. From there it’s about “what will bring you joy and where you are likely to find it”.
Considering interests and strengths comes first in this process. From there, clients are presented with different job or career options that are compatible with what they’ve shared.
Carter says people often don’t get too surprised by the findings, but there are plenty of “a-ha moments”. These generally happen when she advises what parts of someone might be satisfied in a certain job and what might not be.
What is your value proposition?
Raj Khetarpal is a career coach who predominantly works with university graduates, skilled migrants and those who have faced redundancies. He aims to help clients achieve “career breakthroughs”.
How can one do that if it’s not coming naturally? Khetarpal says step one is understanding your career story to date and what your aspirations are.
“I want people to understand what their purpose is, what their key strengths are and ultimately what their value proposition is,” says Khetarpal. “Then we develop a strategy with a desired outcome in mind.”
Advice from your loved ones
Loading
Naturally, friends and family members might offer advice when someone is unsure of what career to pursue. Should you take it on?
Carter says it can be valuable to ask about the sort of work they believe you might be suited to and to check that against your areas of interest.
“Get the advice but be willing to test the advice,” says Khetarpal. “Own your decision, then be focused on creating quality for everything you do.”
What about online aptitude tests?
Khetarpal and Carter echo each other when it comes to aptitude tests in general – that they are there to validate what you’re already aware of. Some tests have the potential to reveal elements of your personality you may not be consciously aware of.
But don’t rely on online aptitude tests to answer any major career choice questions. If you’re keen to cut through the noise, it might be wise to engage a professional.
Ask plenty of questions
One of the most important ingredients to find your way is to “cultivate a learning and growth mindset”, says Khetarpal. He suggests speaking to people who work or have worked in the fields you’re interested in.
“Get their perceptions, as well as the positive and stressful aspects of the work,” says Carter. “What is it that has helped them succeed? Do you need extra skills or support? What are the things you could do now to begin?”
“Try to spend time with people who will inspire, motivate and guide you,” says Khetarpal. “Seek out mentors, gain advice from multiple sources, and ultimately form your own opinion with an open mind.”
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.