When we leave full-time education and are looking to get into the work force there may not be so many jobs to apply to as our parents had.
If there are only a few places with many applicants for each job YOU have to be the BEST if you want to be the one they choose! So how can we prepare for our future?
Take Life Seriously – Today!
It is very easy to think that we have time to mess around now, and take life seriously later. If we want to be sure of a good job in the future we have to start building character, knowledge and wisdom now.
If you were interviewing someone for a job who would you employ? Someone who dresses smart, speaks well, is happy, passed their exams, and has positive character, or would you employ someone with a bad attitude, who has failed their exams, and who obviously doesn’t care about what they look or sound like?
Study Hard
By the time you reach about 12 you will probably have some ideas about what you enjoy doing, what you hate, what you are gifted at, and what you cannot do. Choose subjects to study that will benefit your future. Then study hard.
If your school doesn’t provide the courses you want then find other ways to get what you want. There are many distance learning courses you could do at home, or evening classes you could take on in the evenings once you reach 14.
Get Experience
Some schools offer the opportunity to gain work experience for 2 weeks. Wow! If you want to be one step ahead of the rest then arrange your own work experience at the weekends or during the holidays. If you want to work in the health industry then arrange to have a week at several different departments. Work for free and work hard, and you will be welcome most places. Get references from these people to add to your portfolio.
Get A Life
You could spend every Friday night out on the streets getting drunk or you could find something useful to do with your time and still have fun and friends. I have joined the St John Ambulance Cadets and learn First Aid, I also climb, sail and kayak. On your CV and at your job interview if you have other interests you will have something extra to talk about and shows that you have a life.
Start Thinking
When you leave school you do not have to have a job if you can earn an income yourself. If you have a hobby or interest that you are good at think of a way to get paid for it and become self-employed. There are so many ideas if you let your mind think and then you can be your own boss and begin your own business.
There are many competitions and challenges that can help you get started. Check out the Make Your Mark Challenge and keep up with any new competitions or challenges.
Deborah Drapper
