Plan your career
Forward thinking will help you get ahead
Top Tips
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Understand what you want from work as much as what you have to offer. Turn your dream job into a reality - do your research to find out what's available in Scotland.
Whatever you're looking for in your working life - whether it's money, responsibility, the chance to work locally, a social life or a better work-life balance - you need to plan your career. That means understanding what you want and mapping out the key steps to getting there.
"Career planning skills and a boost in confidence are the key ingredients to making progress with your career and getting the job you want. We need career planning skills because the Scottish economy is one of the most dynamic in Europe with change occurring in every sector on a constant basis.
"Perhaps the most significant change in Scottish employment is the decline in demand for manufacturing and industrial skills against the fantastic growth in demand for skills in the service and technologies sectors. With some effective career planning you can manage your transferable skills and make the most of new opportunities now and in the future."
Ronnie Davidson, career coach and founder of St Andrews-based independent career service, The Career Studio.
To plan properly, it's vital to understand what you want from work. Make a start by asking yourself a few questions.
- Why do you go to work? Is it about ambition, the desire to do something worthwhile, the need to be creative or to meet new people? It's worth thinking about what you've enjoyed most and least about previous jobs.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How much do you need to earn?
- What hours do you want to work?
- Where do you want to work?
- What other factors are important to you? How much do family, relationships, hobbies and holidays influence the kind of job you do?
Use the answers to develop a profile of your ideal job, and then make a list of industries and organisations you'd like to work for.
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Get career advice
Need help with thinking through your career options? Ask your friends and family to help, or think about getting some expert advice.
Careers Scotland provides careers information and advice to people living in Scotland.
Visit the Careers Scotland website to find out more.
A commercial careers consultancy will help you assess your skills and career options. This can be expensive, however, so make sure it's the right choice for you.
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Research your options
To turn your ideal job into a reality, you need to find out what's available in your area. For information on Scotland's industries and businesses try:
Corporate websites often include information on what it's like to work in an organisation and skills and experience the company is looking for. The best sites outline potential career paths within the organisation.
When you apply for jobs, only go for the ones that tick enough boxes for you. Also be prepared to revisit your career plan regularly to adapt it to your changing circumstances and goals.
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