Inspire Guidance Careers Advice

If the Brexit teaches us anything it should be that the world can change over night and we have to adjust to a new reality.  The world of work is no different it operates on the same dynamics of life.  Changes in world events and our careers may well happen several times over our lifetimes.  You have probably been told that if you study hard, get a degree and tweak your CV, you will make it the job market. However sadly it does not always work like that. The ratio of graduates to jobs is at an all time high. To use business speak in many areas there is more supply then demand. So having said that how do you load the odds in your favour? You first of all need to know what makes you tick, what is your passion and your strengths. Do you enjoy selling, working with information or things are you a people person? Get a handle on who you are. Analyse and reflect on this. What skills do you have and how can you demonstrate you have them. Are there any gaps in your knowledg...

How to choose A Level subjects . Remember when you had to choose your options at GCSE ?  Well narrowing down 8 subjects to 4 is even more important and often more of a pain. The following points might help you. Subject strengths. Y ou will need to look at  your strengths. The advice we would give you is to choose subjects you have at least a B grade in at GCSE.  However most sixth forms now offer  subjects such as Law, Psychology , Sociology etc. In this case talk to the tutors and past students to find out more about the subject. Also read around it to try to establish if you would enjoy studying it for several years.  What you enjoy. A levels are very intense. You will have more lessons in a week of a particular subject then you did at GCSE. You have to be passionate and enjoy the subject. Persistence and application are important here. Keep your options open. You may be  very passionate  on s...

How to choose a career area. ( I will expand on points in future postings ) 1. Begin by determining what you like to do. So what are your interests now, what makes you sit up and take notice, which classes do you look forward to. Do you like science, people, animals, plants, technology, softwear, hardwear, travel, languages etc. Do you enjoy being indoors, outdoors, working alone, working in a team, leading etc 2. Identify the skills you use when you're doing the thing(s) you enjoy. Are you practical, theoretical, caring, good communicator, musical etc. 3. Think of career areas broadly . A career area of work is far more than a single job. ie caring for people, caring for animals, using numbers, manufacturing, crafts, arts, environment, medical, teaching etc 4. Learn as much as possible about the qualifications/ job role required. What are the entry routes, tasks and activities in job and progression points? 5. Find people who work in the field and meet a...

So you have your grades to go to university, Congratulations!! Only problem is you don't want to go to University. For some people University is a great experience and necessary for their chosen career. It can be great or it can be difficult. No single option is perfect for every person.  For some careers you need a degree and it has to be done through a University. It is vital to check. For many more you can do a degree while working or go through other routes like apprenticeships.   These days it is important to consider all the angles and an important one is financial. You have sliced and diced the numbers and the average student comes out with around 60,000 pounds in debt at the end of the course.  Granted you do not have to pay this back until you start earning above a certain amount of money but it is still a considerable sum to think about. It should not put you off if you really want to go and make the most of your University time and certainly not i...