Career Help - Career FAQs
Take a look at our commonly asked career questions below. If you can't find the answer to your question give us an email and we will add it.
How can I get information about a career that interests me?
Is a job for life?
What are the most well paid industry sectors?
I want to travel as part of my job, what career paths should I take?
The Information technology industry mainly employs men, why is this? And is it going to change?
Is it necessary to attend university to get a good well-paid job?
Does my choice of degree have to dictate the direction my career takes?
How can I develop my skills so that I am better qualified to move on to something else?
Do I have to be a plumber?
I have just finished university, should I be in a hurry to get my career underway?
Is it ok to take time off during my career to go travelling for an extended period?
How can I get information about a career that interests me?
Schools, colleges and universities all usually have career services where you can pick up leaflets and speak to someone who is supposed to know what they are talking about. The problem is that the employment market in some sectors changes so fast that it is hard for career staff to keep up to date with trends. For example, go into your average career center and say that you want information on being a 'b2b project manager', or a 'lead developer for a WAP portal' then they will probably look at you quizzically. Poor dears it's not their fault...
If you are interested in a career the best way to find out more is to speak to people who currently do the job, perhaps you know somebody that does? Otherwise write and get some work experience. Work experience can be useful if you have some time free, perhaps after graduating, or during school summer holidays. Usually unpaid you may be given the chance to shadow an employer which can provide a valuable insight into what a job entails.
For the latest news on technology related jobs it is good idea to have a look at some industry publications, these are often not available in normal newsagents but perhaps your local library stocks them? Industry specific websites on the Internet can also be useful in providing up to date career information.
In the past when found a job at the age of 16 or 18 and stayed in it until you retired with a gold wristwatch and a firm handshake, not anymore. Depending on your industry sector it is possible that you will change jobs every couple of years. Idea led industries such as advertising and Marketing for example encourage personnel to move about a lot.
There are advantages and disadvantage to this trend. By being with a company for a long time you get to know your colleges really well, and potentially team bonds will be stronger. However companies which don't have a regular influx of new people can become stagnant with no new ideas, or inspiration.
In general unless you are relocating or are sacked, the only reasons to change job are to move to one where you will be given more responsibility, satisfaction and pay. Therefore changing jobs several times during the course of your career can be beneficial in that you will hopefully be getting a more enjoyable and rewarding job in each case. Of course there is a balance to struck, if you are moving jobs too often it shows inconsistency and an inability to settle.
What are the most well paid industry sectors?
Salaries increase proportionally with job responsibility, however some industries do pay a lot more than others.
Banking and finance, is one of the highest paying, with successful investment brokers earning up to £300, 000, accountants and bankers are all well paid. Skilled Information Technology personnel, specifically programmers can earn a lot of money early in their career. Sales personnel who work on a commission based can earn a lot of money and any managerial post is usually financially rewarding.
I want to travel as part of my job, what career paths should I take?
The world is becoming a smaller place due to rapid affordable communication networks, globalisation, and the reduced cost of air travel. As a result there is increasingly greater scope for travelling with your job.
Some sectors lend themselves to international travel, leisure and tourism is the most obvious, the armed forces, and commercial airways, but if you are skilled your abilities will be in demand in other countries. Environmental organisations like WWF can send people overseas to work also.
The Information technology industry mainly employs men, why is this? And is it going to change?
According to the latest Office of National Statistics figures, only 24 per cent of IT workers in the UK are women, down from 29 per cent six years ago.
With numbers of women in IT falling rather than rising, both the government and the IT industry are scrambling to encourage girls to take up IT studies. IBM, Microsoft and Sun have all been targeting girls with awareness campaigns in an effort to close the skills gap. Hopefully change is on the way.
Is it necessary to attend university to get a good well-paid job?
No, attending university is not a guarantee of future success, some industries do however require that you have a degree for example medicine and law. If you do not attend university you will probably have to start lower down the career ladder, but then again you will have 3 or four years head start on your contemporaries before they graduate. Experience and enthusiasm can go a long way.
Does my choice of degree have to dictate the direction my career takes?
If you want to get into a specialised industry like Medicine, Veterinary science or Engineering then yes, you need to have relevant qualifications. However, if you have a good degree in any subject it can open doors to most industries. Having a degree shows a level of intellect, and commitment. Generally speaking a science degree is seen as being of higher value than an arts degree.
I am currently in work but I don't feel challenged, how can I develop my skills so that I am better qualified to move on to something else?
There are many ways to develop yourself whilst you are in work. Perhaps learn a foreign language at night classes or with an audio class. Improve your IT skills, perhaps your company will pay for you to take a course on databases or management. Make contacts whilst you are at work, networking is a very important skill and the adage 'it's not what you know but who you know ' is very true.
My great grandfather and grandfather were plumbers, my father is a plumber, do I have to be a plumber?
Plumbing is a very worthwhile occupation, however if your heart is not in it then perhaps it is not for you. Your father will have to pass on the plunger to someone else.
I have just finished university, should I be in a hurry to get my career underway?
Surely if I don't get a foot in the door soon, then I will be left behind.
Most people need to find employment rapidly after leaving university to help pay off accrued debts. However you should not feel pressurised into making any career decisions. Take your time so that you get it right.
Is it ok to take time off during my career to go travelling for an extended period?
It depends on what state your career is in. If you are just starting out in your 20's then there is plenty of time for you to pick things up where you left them on your return. Some employers view travelling as a worthwhile activity as it broadens the mind and increases your confidence. Similarly, if your career is established and you have a good track record you will have no trouble finding work after your travels. If your career is at a crucial or tentative stage then it is probably inadvisable.
