You’ve got your dream job, and you’re enjoying the work and your new responsibilities, but what happens next?
Don’t just look to your manager for support. There are several options for getting the guidance you need.
A mentor is a person who has the skills and experience that you want for yourself, or is working in a role that you would like. A good mentor will listen to your goals and provide advice on how to achieve them. They might suggest relevant training, or help you with difficult decisions.
Set aside time to read about your industry in magazines and blogs. Attend some conferences and seminars where you can hear from people outside your own company, and keep up-to-date with the latest thinking in your field.
Sign up to a professional website like LinkedIn, where you can make contacts and see the latest training and job opportunities.
Your family and friends know you better than anyone else. Talk to them about your career objectives. They might help you to see a side of yourself that you rarely consider, or identify skills you didn’t realise you had.
Your teachers can provide another perspective on your career. They see you at school, where you’ve done most of your work to date. They can advise you on jobs that might suit your strengths and courses you can take.
Careers teachers are specifically trained to give you employment advice. They have up-to-date information about the job market, understand which skills are necessary for a range of careers, and understand the challenges that young people face in the job market.