Discover Your Future
10 JOBS THAT DESERVE THEIR VERY OWN SUPERHERO COSTUME
the big story
Your magical mini-guide to GCSE results day The day has finally arrived – your GCSE results are HERE! Ask yourself the following questions and you’ll get through the day just fine.
You walk into school and it’s heaving with people. The sweet smell of anticipation hangs in the air like the latest perfume from DKNY. After waiting you’re finally given an envelope with precious bits of paper tucked inside – your exam results! Each paper is from a different examination board, like AQA or Edexcel. This is it. The big moment. Your GCSE results are finally here! Now here are some ways to put it all in perspective...
What were your best grades? Let yourself savour the sweet taste of success as you note your best grades and bask in glory. Go you! Sure, it’s tempting to make a beeline for the worst grades, but do give yourself lots of time to celebrate the best ones first. A big part of confidence in life is recognising that your achievements rock, and seeing them as a sign of more great things to come.
Were any of your grades higher than expected? You’ll always have strong subjects. Maybe you enjoyed them, or liked the teacher, or studied harder because the subject matched your goal. But did any higher grades come as a big surprise? If so, double-congrats. They’re proof you’ve got all kinds of skills and qualities, maybe more than you give yourself credit for. Perhaps it’s time to shine a brighter light on those hidden talents. If any grades were a lot higher than expected, teachers and advisers can help you take another look at your further education or workbased choices.
Were any of your grades lower than expected? If so, it won’t be as bad as you might think. Breathe easy, don’t rush into anything and talk to your parents, teachers and advisers first! Are your grades still enough to meet any set goals you had in mind? If you had your heart set on a particular A-level, SQA or apprenticeship, say, can you still do them with your given results? If so, that’s a major plus!
If you failed a GCSE, it’s still OK. Have a think and a chat with your parents and teachers. Is it better to chalk it up to experience and move on, giving yourself more time to focus on what’s next - like A-levels, for example? If you failed a GCSE you really wanted – say, maybe those low marks are holding you back from a major game plan – you might be able to resit the exam. The time for resitting GCSEs (apart from English and maths) is summer, so it would be around a year later. If you only need to resit a few exams, you might be able to do so at the same time as AS levels, A-levels or BTECs. If they’re modular, you don’t even need to resit the whole exam. There are all kinds of options open to you. Check with colleges to see if they’ll accept your application with lower grades. You can also check out vocational courses, like BTECs.
Did you pass your core GCSE subjects? If you didn’t, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can still get the GCSEs you need or explore a plan B with someone who knows, like a teacher or a careers adviser. For example, you could resit part or all of the exam you didn’t pass. You can resit English and maths GCSEs in November, and other subjects in summer. Talk to your teacher and careers adviser – they’ll be able to take you through your options, including vocational ones which are more about building skills and experience and not just academic study. For example, taking a traineeship is a way of improving your maths and English while getting work experience too.
Celebrate good times, come on You’ve just passed a major milestone in life! There’ll be time in the future for study, for work, for taking life seriously... but for now it’s time to blow off some steam, so grab some mates and celebrate in style!
See all the options open to you on Plotr with our guide to what comes next after GCSES.
3
CAREER SPARKS
YOUR TOP TIPS GUIDE TO A-LEVEL RESULTS DAY A-level exam results day is finally here – and you’ll be absolutely fine. Really!
(A-level results are released in the UK on Thursday 13th August 2015) Today’s the day! You’re ready to sniff a sad goodbye to some students and teachers you may not see again (one ticket to ride the emotional rollercoaster, please). You’ve packed your bag with handy papers like UCAS/uni offer letters and contact details for your first choice and backup universities... Heading into school or college to pick up your A-level results? This is it! Our top tips will help you pass results day with flying colours...
Happy with your A-level results? Tell the world! If... ...You’re happy with your A-level results, that’s fantastic news. Go forth and tell the world!
If... ...You have applied for university and received a conditional offer, your next step is to check if your results are good enough to get you in (that information should be available to you from today via UCAS Track, and you can learn a bit more below).
Not happy with your A-level results? Tell your advisers If you’re really unhappy with your A-levels, AS-levels or SQAs, you can resit them next summer (or perhaps you’re convinced you should have got a better mark? If so, you can ask a teacher about getting your exams remarked and what’s involved). Many people find they do loads better the second time. You can also reapply for your uni place next year. Did you know you can also get qualifications without resitting A-levels or going to uni? Ask an adviser about BTECs and OCR Nationals. They’re work-based qualifications you can do in all sorts of subjects. Employers recognise them and you can do them with lower grades. Some of them can be used to get you into uni, too. You can also think about heading straight into work (well, maybe after summer hols – everyone needs a break!). Will your results be enough to get an entry-level job? If you haven’t explored apprenticeships yet, it’s worth taking a look. Lots of employers offer them, and many have all kinds of in-house training and development.
If... ...You’ve applied for apprenticeships, BTECs, traineeships or other forms of vocational learning and training, you’ll finally be able to confirm you’ve got the grades they were looking for.
If... ...You’re planning to head into work, congrats on your A-level results! If you impress your future employer they may be able to offer you further training as part of your job. You can also explore further learning courses while you work. Phew, so many options...
Uni applications: Check your UCAS Track status UCAS Track will be open from around 8am on results day, so fight the impulse to keep checking it before then. School and college advisers suggest you check it AFTER you get your results, not before. This way they’ll be around to support you with post-results decisions. Remember that UCAS can’t speak to anyone but you about your applications unless you’ve authorised them to do so. Track won’t show your grades – it’ll just show if you’ve been accepted by your firm or insurance choice universities. More: The Student Room has this handy guide to using UCAS Track.
5
Got your firm uni offer? Tell the world! (Just not your uni) If you got the grades you needed for a conditional firm offer from a uni, or it’s given you an unconditional firm offer in spite of missed grades, go ahead and celebrate! Tell the world, but you don’t need to phone your uni and double-check. You know who’s already got this amazing piece of news? That’s right, your uni. Pull your best victory pose and wait like a pro for your AS12 letter in the post from UCAS. It will explain exactly what to do next.
Got your insurance uni offer? Talk to your uni (if it’s a conditional offer) If you made your insurance uni offer that’s great news – you’re going to uni! If it’s unconditional, just wait for your confirmation letter explaining what to do next. If UCAS Track is still saying ‘conditional’ by early afternoon on results day, your best bet is to phone the university and check to see if there’s any delay. Then again...
Missed both your firm and insurance offer? Time to enter Clearing... If you haven’t been accepted for your firm or insurance universities, please don’t think it’s the end of the world. For one thing, you can enter for Clearing. Your grades might work for another university – and remember, you don’t have to accept their offer if you don’t want to! You can also retake A-levels, re-apply for uni next year or look at other options like working, apprenticeships, vocational courses or gap years. You might have got the grades and got into uni, but have you done even better in your exams than you expected? Or maybe you’ve changed your mind about the uni or course you wanted to go on? Clearing isn’t just for people who didn’t get the grades. Lots of people do it because they have changed their minds.
You have so many options...
Did you know that even if you got the grades you hoped for, you can still defer for a year if the thought of travelling or working appeals more to you – or maybe you just don’t feel ready for more education, whatever your reasons? Even if you didn’t get into uni exactly the way you thought, you have so many options open to you. Remember, teachers and career advisers know their stuff and they’re here to help. Now go forth and conquer. Congratulations on doing your A-levels. You got A for Amazing, whatever your results were. There’s a big world out there, and it’s waiting just for you...
See all the options open to you on Plotr with our guide to what comes next after A-levels.
6
CAREER SPARKS
Top CV tips from the experts who say ‘yes’ Get your foot in the door with these supercharged CV tips from the recruitment experts who say ‘yes’ at some of the UK’s top companies!
“Tell employers what you’ve done outside of studying”
“Keep your CV simple and short – less than two pages”
Concentrate on any ‘application questions’ specific to the role. These will set you apart from candidates who have the same qualifications but haven’t thought how they’re relevant to a specific employer.
Make your achievements provable, e.g. if you worked as a customer service adviser, explain an achievement such as what targets you met, or any recognition for the great work you did. If you volunteer, mention it as you can develop as much from this experience as you can in a paid job.
See more: How to get a job at Siemens Siemens Employer Profile
“Sell yourself to us – really show us what you can do” Show us your passion for the industry and the role you’re applying for. Demonstrate what you can do and why you want the job! But be honest – even a white lie can trip you up in interviews and make us wonder if anything on your application is true! See more: How to get a job at National Grid National Grid Employer Profile
See more: How to get a job at Centrica / British Gas Centrica Employer Profile British Gas Employer Profile
“Show us drive and determination – not just your exam results” We don’t have much time to spend on each CV so put relevant information (like work experience) at the top. If you don’t have any relevant work experience yet, put academic or sporting achievements at the top instead. See more: How to get a job at Barclays Barclays Employer Profile Barclays Career World
8
“Applying online? Check your junk mail or you could miss out on interview invitations”
“We’re keen for candidates to have a wide range of interests outside of work”
If you’re presenting a list (e.g. of things you’ve done, skills you’ve got, experiences of work etc.), use bullet points as they are easier to read than a long paragraph. Don’t use a font that’s difficult to read.
Link your experience to the role. Read the role’s job description, then think how the things you’ve done so far could be relevant. Then highlight in your CV the achievements or experience that match the role requirements. If there is space on an application form, give examples to back up your points. That’s what all that space is for!
See more: NHS Employer Profile NHS Career World
See more: How to get a job at Waitrose Waitrose Employer Profile Waitrose Career World
A CV is your first impression, so ensure there are no errors. Use a profile to briefly explain why you are interested and right for our role. Make sure any skills an employer has mentioned are easy to see. Keep a CV to two pages only. Show us you do more than just go to school and study – but don’t ‘pad out’ to fill two pages.
“With your CV, make it easy for us to see that you are right for the job!” See more: How to get a job at Capgemini Capgemini Employer Profile
The employers on Plotr have all kinds of opportunities for young people taking their first career steps. Enter a wonderland of opportunities with the Employer Profiles and Career Worlds!
9
CAREER SPARKS
5 CAREER MUST-DOS FOR YOUR BUCKET (AND SPADE) LIST THIS SUMMER!
Ever made a bucket list of things to do one day? How about useful things to do this summer? Tick these five to-dos off your list and build the career sandcastle of your dreams!
1
Refresh your CV
4
Go to a networking event
You know what’s even more refreshing than an ice lolly on a hot day? Refreshing your CV. Now’s a great time to add in any recent exam results you’re proud of, for example. You can tweak your CV so it makes you sound like the perfect pick for any summer work experience you’ve had your eye on, and make sure it’s ready for any big job hunting missions after the holidays.
Nothing says ‘holiday’ like meeting people and spreading your wings. Create time this summer to see if there are any career fairs, talks or meetups you could attend (play safe! If you’re not sure, ask a parent or carer about the best way to attend any events). Pack your notepad and fill it with names, phone numbers and websites to follow up on.
Refresh your CV – give it a summer detox with these five easy steps!
If you have web access, look for free webinars, and research organisations to ask for advice. Visit your local library for more info, or find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for free advice (UK phone number: 03444 111 444).
2
Organise summer work experience
Want to work for a big company like Google or PlayStation? Many big companies need you to apply in autumn the year before, so now’s the time to approach any big dream companies for work experience next year. If you’re looking for something this very summer, though, never fear. The July issue of Plotr Magazine reveals exactly how you can bag something last-minute and still have it look good on your CV! De-panic with these quick tips for bagging emergency work experience
3
Research a new career angle
You know what’s even more refreshing than dipping into a ice-cold swimming pool? We’re obviously referring to asking yourself life’s big questions, what else could be as refreshing as that?
Read these tips for getting the most out of career fairs
5
Create a SMART goal
You can achieve ALL the things in this little guide this summer, but sometimes it helps to break big goals up into bite-sized achievable actions. For example, you can break down “go to a networking event” into “by the end of next week, find three free career-based summer events or talks that my parents might be willing to take me to if I asked them. Then ask them.” See how to create a SMART goal – then make up your own!
Who are you? What do you want out of life and how do you get it? To get answers to these very questions, be sure to play the Plotr Game this summer. It’s where you’ll find all kinds of suitable career matches and discover New You inspiration. If you’re playing it in the park on a hot day, sit under a shady tree to view it without the sun getting in your eyes...
For career ideas this summer, dive straight in at the deep end with Plotr – check out these 7 summer jobs that look great on your CV!
11
GET UP STAND UP
8 BIG
ID£AS FUNDING FOR YOUNG €UR$ ENTREPREN
If you’ve got a business idea, there are lots of nice people out there to help get your idea up and running so there’s nothing stopping you from building your empire.
One of the BIG challenges about living the self-employed dream is figuring out where the money comes from. You get freedom, but you’ll also be figuring out costs, travel expenses and budgeting all on your own. The good news is that these friendly folks can help!
How can JobCentre Plus help?
How can The Prince’s Trust help?
This nationwide government-run scheme is a helping hand for unemployed people aged 18 and above. It’s a one-stop shop where you can get mentor support for your business idea, help with writing a business plan, and advice when you first start your business for realsies. Ask your local Jobcentre Plus about the money side of things (like start-up loans and getting a weekly allowance).
The Prince’s Trust can help you if you’re aged 13-30, because it knows school students can have great business ideas too! Their super Enterprise programme helps you create a solid business plan. It’ll support you with training and funding, and even get you in touch with an experienced business mentor. Plus they also offer start-up business finance if you need cash. If you’re aged 16-25 and unemployed, the Prince’s Trust offer free training courses to help build up your work experience and know-how. Wow. It’s like they’ve thought of everything!
How can HM Revenue and Customs help?
How can Enterprise Nation help?
The newly self-employed helpline is set up by HM Revenue and Customs – in other words, the Government. So they know what they’re talking about. If you’re setting up a business, they’ll help you with the tricky money side of things, so you don’t make any potentially costly boo-boos. Phone 0300 200 3504 (or textphone 0845 915 3296 if you’re hearing or speech impaired).
Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones says: “Whether young people choose to start their own business or get a job, they need to be equipped with entrepreneurial skills and a positive attitude. They also need help in deciding on the direction for their career.” If you join as a member you get free help from experts, member meet-ups and lots more. Their website also has a helpful funding page where you can find out more about getting money for your bright idea. Download their free eBook ’50 Ways to Find Funding for your Business’ for starters. It helps you explore all kinds of options, from crowdfunding to angel investment and bank loans!
13
How can Kickstarter help?
How can Elevation Nation help?
Set up a Kickstarter funding page for your brave, bold project or business idea. If the crowd likes your idea enough, the crowd will fund it! Offer your would-be backers cool rewards to get them excited. Backing £5 might get them a personal thank you, while £100 backers might get something a bit special and unusual. What will they get for that kind of cash? You decide! Rewards often include special experiences and meaningful cheap gifts that tell a story, like polaroids on location). Check out the creator handbook for all the info you need...
These guys work with students and young entrepreneurs to provide support and training, and they also give access to start-up loans. If you’re aged 18-30, the average loan is around £2,500 (but there’s no upper limit). You can also get free office facilities for six months. Make sure you get the comfy boss chair!
How can Angels Den help?
How can Dragon’s Den help?
They’re an ‘Angel network’ (Google it) that links people who have great ideas with people willing to invest in them. Young entrepreneur Nicko Williamson founded Climatecars with £300,000 from an angel network… and his annual turnover is now £3 million. If your idea is really solid, someone might just want to put money into it!
Yes. You heard us right. We’re talking about the Dragon’s Den, the BBC TV show. You have to be aged 18+ and living in the UK to apply. You only get one shot, so do loads of research beforehand and really know your money side of things. Kudos if you give this a go – after all, you might be pitching to dragons on TV!
HOT TIP If someone offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, it’s fine to say “thanks very much, I need some time to think about it”. Then you can discuss the idea with someone you trust.
Don’t believe it’s possible? Well, Aden Levin (24) and Rob Tominey (25) got a £100,000 investment on Dragon’s Den and their travel company was in a position to make £900,000 profit in 2014. Helping hands and cash injections can help your seed of an idea grow into the biggest tree for miles around!
Get more help with going self-employed as an entrepreneur on Plotr.
14
CAREER SPARKS
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions” first job tips from an NHS newbie Get settled in your very first job with these tips from an NHS paediatric healthcare assistant. He’s in his first job, and ready to share what he’s learnt!
What one tip would you give young people who have just got their first job? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people will understand you’re new and won’t expect you to be perfect. If you have any worries about what to wear or any other questions, it’s a good idea to call your managers or workplace before your first day. Lots of workplaces provide a handbook, and an induction programme too, so you can find out more about where you’ll be working and who you’ll work with as soon as you start. One thing people don’t normally tell you is that you should have a basic understanding of employment laws. As this is your first job, you have no idea what to expect. You could find yourself regularly working through your lunch breaks or doing extra hours without being correctly paid for them. If you know your rights as an employee, you can make sure that your employer and your managers are treating you in line with the law.
What’s the one thing you wish you knew about careers when you were 16? I wish I’d known that apprenticeships are a good way to get into a career whilst gaining experience and earning a bit of money. I also wish I knew that when it comes to job interviews, the organisation you’re speaking to isn’t only interested in your qualifications but you as a person too. So in interviews make sure you sell yourself and let your employer know that you are a likeable person with a lot of ambition.
“Lots of workplaces provide an induction programme so you can find out more as soon as you start”
Have you ever done volunteering? I volunteered on the paediatric ward at Darent Valley Hospital so I could gain some experience and see what it’s really like to work on a hospital ward. This also helped fuel my interest and knowledge of the role so when it came to applying for my job, I had a lot of things to say in the interview. While volunteering, I was also able to ask the staff questions about their education and career routes – this gave me a better understanding of what I’d need to do to get a similar job in the future.
Have you ever done work experience? I did an apprenticeship with Kent Integrated Adolescent Support Services (KIASS). It’s an organisation that works with young people with many different problems ranging from unemployment to depression or stress. This helped me gain experience of working with young people and their parents. What I liked best about the work experience was how I developed as a person. I started off very anxious about trying new things but, by the end, I was a lot more confident.
How did you answer your job interview questions? A lot of the interview questions were about possible scenarios that could happen in the role I was applying for. Knowing this, I did a lot of research on what type of things I’d be doing if I got the job. One question that came up was: “If a parent was angry about how their child was being cared for, what
16
“What I liked best about the work experience was how I developed as a person” The NHS offers a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference. There are more than 350 different careers on offer, so there’s a job for you no matter what your interests, skills or qualifications! Visit the NHS Employer Profile Visit the NHS Career World
would you do?” As I had done quite a lot of research, I knew that in this situation, I would listen to what the parent felt was wrong and let the nurse in charge know about the situation. After this, I would then do what the nurse in charge recommended and offer the parent a complaints form if they wished to take the problem to someone much more senior than me. Body language is also a big factor in interviews. If you can speak clearly and confidently, make strong eye contact and have a good posture, it will make the interviewer more confident in you being a good member of their team. Make sure you dress appropriately too. If you’re applying for a job in retail, you’d want to be dressed in casual clothes for your interview. But if you’re applying for a job in an office, you would want to be dressed smartly. Lastly, it’s good to have a question prepared for the end of the interview. Asking questions shows you’ve done your research and are really interested in the job.
Next, up, have fun with Plotr’s mind-blowing career hacks to help you in your first job. Start your first job with an ace up your sleeve!
17
CAREER SPARKS
Improving mental health – 6 ways to be kind to yourself These six tips to help you approach life - and careers - with more energy and confidence have been brought to you with the help of Young Minds, a great organisation for young people.
1
Eat well, feel better
What we eat can make a difference to the way we feel – research currently suggests your food can be good for your mind and moods as well as your body. This is what we need to give the brain as well as the body what it needs:
3
Believe in yourself
There are lots of ways to help improve your selfesteem and they can all work together. Try taking up a positive interest, or try positive thinking exercises like writing down all the skills and talents people have complimented you on and keeping it to read whenever you need to.
• Protein You can find protein in things like fish, meat and soya. With most diet choices and needs you can still be a pro when it comes to getting protein. • Carbs You won’t be surprised to hear that vegetables have healthier carbs than biscuits, but did you know it’s because veggies release energy more slowly and are less likely to leave you feeling tired and grumpy with a ‘sugar crash’? • Good fats Essential fats can’t be made in our body, so we have to get them from food. Seeds, nuts and oily fish all contain the omega-3 fatty acids our bodies need! Fats from things like crisps and the chip shop should be kept as an occasional treat. Eating well is a top way to have a good effect on your mental health. More: Top tips for brain food and eating on a budget
2
Exercise and mental health
Did you know that exercise is important for your mental health as well as your body? Science fact: exercising releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. You don’t have to run a marathon – unless you want to! You’re still exercising if you’re walking the dog, riding your bike or walking to the shops instead of taking the bus. Even if you don’t feel like it, a bit of exercise every day can help lift your mood. More: Body-positive exercise tips and useful resources
More: Tips to boost self-esteem and further resources
4
Take time to relax
Ever been told to relax, chill out or stop stressing? Whether you’re at school, in further education or working, there can be times when things get on top of you. It helps to take time out to reset yourself and feel fresh. Warm baths help your muscles relax – we can store a lot of tension in muscles without realising. Exercise, meeting friends or escaping into films, books and video games can help too. Every day, try to take a moment to stop what you’re doing, stretch, let your shoulders drop and breathe deeply. Concentrating on your breathing can help switch off any (bad) thoughts you’re having and have a calming effect. This can be a useful thing to do if you’ve just been in a stressful situation like a packed train ride home, and it can also be useful if you catch yourself feeling anxious or worried. More: Relaxation exercises and resources
5
Friends and family
You know that old saying “a problem shared is a problem halved?” Talking over problems with people who will listen can help. Doing activities can also be a very positive step towards improving your mood. Friends and family can help with both of these, so get in contact with the ones you trust, because too much time on your own can make you feel worse. You may feel shy about reaching out to people, but people will often surprise you. More: Tips on how to talk to friends and family about any problems
19
6 YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences we campaign, research and influence policy and practice. If you’re a young person, we are here to help. Young Minds Employer Profile
Ask for help
If you feel like you are having problems coping, it is absolutely fine to talk to someone – don’t be afraid to ask for help. Maybe you’re worried what people will think, or you don’t want to burden someone with your problems. It’s very natural to feel like that, especially if you’re caught up in low self-esteem, but it’s important to not try to cope with everything on your own. The same way you’d want to help if someone you cared about felt down, people will want to help you. You can talk to all kinds of people, from friends and parents to professional people who have seen and heard everything before and will have a lot of experience with helping people in a similar position to you. More: See tips on who to ask for help and how to get useful results from it
Need to talk to someone professional, like an organisation? Whether you want to talk face to face, on the phone, via email or you just want to find more information, there are lots of organisations out there who can help, including Childline, Get Connected and Youth Access.
Feeling stuck? Want help with making a career decision or choosing options? Come to the Plotr Help Zone. If we don‘t have what you need – just ask!
20
THE BIG STORY
10
There are some great jobs out there that change lives and even save them, too. These ten amazing roles mean you get paid to make the world a better place. If only you could get the superhero costume to go with it...
Helping people as your job makes the world a happier, brighter, better place to live – and science has proved it makes you feel happier if you help people, too. Help others and help yourself with these ten top jobs for real-life superheroes...
Ambulance paramedic
Firefighter
When someone dials 999 in a panic over what could be a major health or injury scare, you’ll most likely be the first professional face they see. Like a superhero, you’ll need to think and act fast in life or death situations. Luckily people don’t need to shine a bat signal to reach you...
Don’t believe the rumours, rescuing mewing kittens from trees isn’t the only thing firefighters do. Depending on your unit you could also give inspiring school talks as part of public education, manage chemical spills, get into your funky diving gear for underwater heroics, deal with bomb alerts... and oh yes, put out fires! They should change the job title to ‘badstufffighter’.
See more: Become an ambulance paramedic
See more: Become a firefighter
Veterinary surgeon
Humanitarian worker
Domestic animals rely on us humans so much. Just one look in their eyes shows you that you’ll always be a superhero as far as they’re concerned. Building work experience as a kennel worker, you can move onto all kinds of animal care roles, like vet (or zookeeper. Because some wild animals may roar and act tough but they need your help too).
Picture the devastation caused by a famine or a hurricane or an earthquake. People need help and they need it now. Who are they going to call – Ghostbusters? No, you, that’s who! You’ll be in the thick of it, planning and giving emergency aid. Sure, it’s dangerous. But you knew that already. And it’s so rewarding... See more: Become a humanitarian worker
See more: Become a vet
22
Combat medical technician Imagine giving health aid in major health situations, just like a paramedic or nurse. Now imagine doing it in a war zone or somewhere that’s been hit by a major natural disaster. Giving medical aid in tricky situations like this gives you twice as many hero points. You don’t need any qualifications to start training, either!
Police officer Pounding the streets gives you incredible insights into human life all around you – see how your trained-up spidey senses start tingling when trouble’s brewing? Fighting crime and upholding justice can take you all kinds of places in life. Are you a puzzle-solver? Leader? Peacekeeper? There’s a career path on the force that’s right for you. See more: Become a police officer
See more: Become a combat medical technician
Teacher Did you have a teacher who made you look at the world differently? Could you inspire teenagers or kids the same way? As a teacher, you can help them find their light and encourage them to shine. No word of a lie, the work you do can truly be lifechanging. See more: Become a primary or secondary school teacher
Youth & community worker If you’d like to help make life better for young people so they discover their true potential, this job could fit you like a caped crusader’s mask (and that’s a snug fit). By inspiring and listening to young people in their time of need, maybe they’ll discover how they can become helpful heroes too – just like you. See more: Become a youth and community worker
23
Maintenance technician Some people take energy for granted, but not junior engineers like you who look after the power stations making this country’s energy. Are you a superhero? Let’s just say you’re working with the most powerful energy known to man... and thanks to you the whole UK can watch TV and boil a cuppa at the same time! See more: Become a maintenance technician (EDF Energy)
Careers adviser Everyone gets a scary moment when they don’t know what to do with their life, or maybe they’ve got to make a big decision (GCSE options, anyone)? As a careers adviser, you can help someone turn “I don’t know what to do” worries into “I’ve checked my options so I’m going to do THIS” joy. Someone should give you a cape right now. See more: Become a careers adviser
If you need some support for yourself before you can help others, why not head on over to Plotr’s career advice section? With hundreds of guides, Q&As and videos we’re here for you!
24
CAREER SPARKS
What next after university? After more than a decade in education, you’ve finally emerged into the world. A bright, young ball of energy with untapped potential. You’re a graduate now! So what could you do next?
Stay in education?
Start your own business?
One option is to stay in education and put the ‘real world’ back for another year by doing a master’s degree or conversion course. Taking an extra year of study is great if you’ve found something you’re passionate about learning but it won’t always help your employability. Unless you plan to work in academia, you could spend the year working and gaining experience which is equally valued by employers. And you won’t have a huge bill at the end of the experience.
If you can’t find the opportunity you’re looking for and don’t want to wait for Lady Luck to pay you a visit, you can start your own business. There are lots of people to help you including The Prince’s Trust who provide financial assistance and mentoring to young people starting businesses. Just after leaving university is the best time to take a gamble on something like a business: your mind is sharp from years of education, you may have relatively fewer responsibilities and obligations than later in life, and you’ll know lots of people in a similar position to you.
Tackle the world of work? The most common step after university is to try to land yourself a job. You can go after a graduate role or try your hand at a grad scheme in your chosen industry. There are loads of graduate opportunities on the web (including on Plotr) and you can use recruitment agencies as well. Graduate schemes tend to open their applications in and around spring so they can start in September but some want January-starters so don’t give up; have a look around for a scheme that suits you. Don’t forget that a graduate scheme isn’t the only way into a company. Employers will look for talented people when they need them, which could be at any time. A great strategy is to focus on an industry or some companies you want to work for and apply for roles that suit your skills and passions. Make sure you tailor your application, CV and covering letter specifically to that company. We’ve got more job hunting advice here. If you’re having trouble finding a graduate career, maybe try a part-time/stop-gap job (don’t worry, lots of grads do it as graduate places are competitive). It gives you money in your pocket, something to put on your CV and time to sort yourself out after the chaos of your final year. Make sure that you use the time to reflect on where you want to be and how you are going to try to get there. You need to stay in control of your future.
Have a gap year? Now is as good a time as any to travel the world, go swimming with dolphins or cruise down Route 66 with three of your best friends. It’s marvellous to discover the world and try new experiences. Those experiences can make memories for years, but remember they can cost thousands depending on what you get up to during your trip! Don’t forget that even though you’re on a tour, there is still opportunity to make yourself look great to employers. You can volunteer, get part-time work, learn a language... the list is endless. See our seven good reasons to do a gap year (and one bad one) to help you decide if this is what you want. There’s no right answer, it depends on what you want to do. Whatever it is, do it.
But first… • Say ‘see ya later’ to all of your friends • Make sure you don’t leave any bills unpaid (credit ratings are important) • Clean up your social media channels (employers will snoop) • Ask your tutors if they are willing to be references • Celebrate making it through three/four years of hard work.
Don’t forget to network as well (Our guide to networking might be able to help). A great opportunity might be around the corner.
Whichever route you decide to take, Plotr has resources to help you along the way. Check out our Advice Centre for information on everything from starting your own business to landing your first job.
26
CAREER SPARKS
Help yourself – help others
Digging in the mines of kindness unearths all kinds of shining treasures. Use your newfound wealth to boost your confidence AND get your CV picked up by employers. Help others to help yourself!
Did you know helping people officially makes you happier – and can get you that little bit further down your career path, too? When you’re happy, believing in your skills and qualities makes it easier to sell yourself at job interviews. You’ll also be extra motivated to do things like get job hunting, or freshen up your CV the way those employers want you to! Science shows that the happy bits in our brains get active when we do good things for others. For example, volunteering for a cause you care about can help you feel happier and more proactive. Here are just some ideas for helping others to help yourself...
Volunteering Volunteering can unleash your creative or adventurous side. It can improve life for all sorts of vulnerable people, including elderly people, the homeless, or children. You can also unlock all sorts of qualities, including your leadership or organising skills! Pick up some tips: See which volunteering character type you are
Cool people to HELP YOU BUILD A MOBILE APP IN YOUR SCHOOL:
Impress with a mobile app Why just use technology when you can be a maker and problem-solver at the same time? Apps for Good work with schools to help students build their own apps helping others. Employers will love how you have shown your problem-solving skills, and everyone else will love the helpful app you have built with a team of friends! If you talk to a teacher about the Apps for Good scheme, you can also impress employers by showing it was down to you that appmaking was introduced to your school. Now that’s a pretty amazing achievement right there.
Cool people to volunteer with:
Career ideas
Funding
Ever thought about turning on the charm to help charities get donations as a fundraising manager? Or can you picture yourself as a humanitarian worker, pushing yourself to the limits in a crisis to help survivors get the help they need? Working for charities makes you feel like you’re making a difference and helping people.
Does being your own boss and doing good at the same time sound like your idea of fun? Think you could dream up an idea for an inspiring campaign, project or business? That’s where UnLtd can help. They give free money (‘awards’) to young people who are doing projects to make the world a better place! They offer all kinds of awards, and if you’re aged 11-21 there may be one that’s right for you.
More: See even more careers that help others in education and childcare
Still mulling it over? Here are 6 reasons to get volunteering on Plotr!
28
GET UP STAND UP
School’s in for summer School is out but that doesn’t mean that you throw your books away and stop learning. This is a rich and wonderful world full of interesting things. The difference is now you can learn about the things you WANT to know.
Have you met TED?
Coding 2.0
Filled with inspirational talks from smart and charming people, TED is a great way to learn about all the exciting things happening in the world around you. They’ve even gone to the trouble of making a series on your soon-to-be favourite topics like ‘If superheroes were real’ and ‘Awesome Nature’. Before you lounge in front of Netflix (again), how about treating your brain cells to some wonder?
Everybody knows that robots will rule us all in the future. Shortly before they do, people who can code will be in high demand – in fact, they already are. If you want to be one of those people then take a look at Codecademy and learn how for free. You can learn a language (a computer language like HTML, not Spanish) or learn specific employer-desired skills. Cool, eh?
Uni-less Uni #NoRegrets Wish you’d studied art instead of history, or economics instead of maths? Well now you can catch up on all the things you’ve missed with Khan Academy. It has all the lessons you liked or wanted to know about from school. You can use it to prepare for college or just to dip into something you fancy.
Fancy learning at university but don’t like the giant price tag… or getting up off the sofa? There are lots of university courses online that you can access for free. FutureLearn is one of them – you can enjoy free courses from top universities. Hooray! Lots of colleges across the Atlantic have online lessons from some of their most prestigious courses for free. Yes, really. Free. They include the likes of: MIT, Yale, Harvard Medical School, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon University
Explore the world… of language Plotr (of course) If you think your Spanish could use a sprucing or your French needs freshening up, you’re in luck. You can learn languages from scratch on your laptop, on your mobile, even your MP3 player. DuoLingo is a great app for learning any of a big collection of languages. There’s also Memrise, a website and app that lets users upload language courses for you to take. It has a leaderboard too, so you can compete with your friends. And yes, DuoLingo and Memrise are both free.
Ah, yes. The magnificent Plotr. A wonderful resource filled with hundreds of careers for you to explore. Clearly the best way to spend all of your summer evenings… OK, well, maybe that’s a bit too far, but we are very useful in helping you get the career that you want, nay, deserve. This summer is the perfect time to get yourself schooled on the world of work. With our help, you’ll be top of the class in no time.
Plotr has everything you need to know about careers in one place. Check out our Career Roles, explore our Career Worlds and play the Plotr Game.
30
(YOU)TH VOICE
self-care tips when job hunting Jenny Mullinder, YEUK Ambassador
Applying for your first job is a daunting enough step to take into the world of work. What if you need to take care of your mental health at the same time?
The phrase ‘you-time’ might make you cringe but it’s vital to make sure you are in top shape to take up that brilliant position you land! Here are a number of things you can do to look after yourself whilst job hunting, based on personal experience. I’ve also asked career coach David Shindler to share some of his advice on the subject.
Acknowledge your feelings
Please note: The following tips are not a substitute for seeking professional help if you feel that things are too much for you to manage on your own (see links at the end).
If something is bothering me, I find that writing it down can help a lot. You don’t need to be J K Rowling to write - though I bet she does this too, sometimes! Just put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and let it all out. You don’t have to do anything with it. You can keep it private, or even rip it up or delete it afterwards, but just emptying your thoughts onto a page can help you clear your head and figure out how to move forward.
Take control What do you usually focus on when job hunting? I’ll guess you probably think of all the steps involved: Deciding what sort of job you want, looking for vacancies, filling out application forms, sending in your CV, writing cover letters, and getting lots of generic ‘thank you for your application’ rejection emails... You will need to do all those things (yes, even the emails), but there’s a way to make it seem a lot less daunting. You’ll feel a lot more in control by writing down everything you need to do and keeping track of applications as you go. You could do this in a Word document, a notebook, or - if you’re like me and into stationery - in a special planner. Write down every single step you need to take, from researching companies to spellchecking your CV. Tick them off as you go for a sense of accomplishment!
Reward yourself (and take breaks) It’s important to have focus and work hard in the job hunt, but it’s equally important to reward yourself for all of your efforts. Rewards can be anything you want, from watching an episode of your favourite programme to buying a new item of clothing. Even just a fifteen minute walk around the local park can be a welcome break. This gives you a chance to check in and see how you’re feeling. Good indicators of mental wellbeing include making sure that you’re not too stressed, have taken care of all your basic needs (e.g. you’ve eaten and drunk enough, you’ve satisfied your hygiene needs, you’re working in a tidy environment) and are feeling positive about your progress. Give yourself some time to fix it if any of these areas are slipping.
If it all gets a bit much, and you find yourself feeling like you’re not coping, the best thing to do is acknowledge it. Give yourself some time to relax, watch some TV, go on a walk, do some baking or other therapeutic activity. Allow yourself the space to get away from the job hunt and then find a way to deal with your emotions.
Careers coach David Shindler’s advice: Create your own certainty One of the most stressful aspects of job hunting is the uncertainty it brings. Many of us fear change and the unknown. It’s natural to ask yourself a ‘what if…’ question – ‘What if I can’t get a job’, ‘What if I’m not good enough?’ or ‘What if I make a mess of this interview?’ The longer it takes to get a job, the more uncertain and worried you may start to feel. That can affect how you go about searching for a job (you stop looking, delay applying, lose confidence) and the last thing you want is for that to show to an employer. You can create your own certainty and improve your mental wellbeing by adjusting your mindset. Ask yourself: • What do I want to move towards, rather than get away from? • How do I want to feel at work? Explore and discover by doing something. Let your passion find you. Use your awareness of how you take care of yourself to your advantage by articulating that to an employer to show your resilience.
32
Helpful links • Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. • Get Connected is the UK’s free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don’t know where to turn. This feature was originally published on YEUK. Head on over and you’ll find even more of David Shindler’s self-care tips while job hunting!
Youth Employment UK YEUK (Youth Employment UK) is the leading campaigning and membership organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment in the UK. The YEUK Ambassadors are young volunteers working together all around the country to secure a better careers future for UK youth. They network together, support each other and do it for the sheer love of it. They’re working with MPs and local businesses to improve employment prospects for young people in the UK. YOU CAN JOIN THEM. Find out more about becoming a YEUK Youth Ambassador
About the author Jenny Mullinder is passionate about pursuing a career in the youth sector. She has ten years’ of relevant experience under her belt, from young participant to volunteer and ambassador roles for great organisations like YEUK and UK Youth Parliament. She is currently creating and delivering a new Young Adult Carers Project for carers aged 1625 with other team members at Wandsworth Carers.
The tips in this feature have been supported by the fine folk over at Young Minds. Click the link for their Plotr profile and find out loads more about this great organisation!
33
TACTICAL INFO
Ask a careers advisEr anything Get your careers advice questions answered every month by a friendly careers adviser. See this month’s crop of answers below!
Meet Susan Burke, this month’s advisEr! Susan, an ambassador for National Careers Week, says: “I love helping people. I am a qualified careers adviser, featured in the Telegraph and The Guardian. Think of me as a best friend but with a bit of tough love thrown in, helping you get to where you want to be by giving you frank, honest and uncomplicated advice.” www.susanburkecareers.co.uk
JOB CHANGE I’ve got my first job but it isn’t right for me. What should I do? Speak to a career adviser – and don’t panic, because it’s more common than you think. A career adviser won’t tell you the answers, but they will help you consider your interests, strengths and weaknesses. This way they can help you come up with a wide choice of ideas. Check out the National Career Service and speak to an adviser online.
JOB HUNTING I live in a small village and there are not many opportunities. I am considering moving but can’t afford it. What should I do? If you are thinking of moving, have you considered lots of different ways to make moving more affordable? For example you could share a house rather than renting your own place. This would help reduce the rent and living expenses dramatically as well as provide a great deal of independence. The next step would be to speak to a careers adviser to work out what steps are needed to make your plan possible. If you are living with parents or other carers, speak to them too.
JOB HUNTING I want to work in marketing but I’ve been offered a job in recruitment that isn’t what I expected to do. Should I take it or wait for an opportunity in an industry I want to work in? Just because you have been offered a job does not mean you have to take it! However, do go and find out more about the role. Research online… but the real research will come through speaking to
someone who works in this industry and finding out the pros and cons to this role. You can also search for the role on Plotr, as all the careers featured there include perks and challenges. You may then want to discuss your research further with a careers adviser to help you make an informed decision on whether to pursue a marketing or recruitment angle.
INTERNSHIPS I’ve had lots of placements and internships since I left university and I look like a job-hopper. Am I ruining my chances of getting a job with all these temporary roles? Firstly, well done you! I think it is fantastic that you’ve had plenty of placements and internships and I’m sure you learnt loads throughout the process. Instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, play it to your advantage! On your CV, say that you had contractbased roles and make sure you highlight the key achievements for each post you had.
CV TIPS I got my first job but it didn’t go well and they let me go. What do I say to potential employers? Do you need to say anything? How long did you work there? How about gaining some more experience in another way, like through volunteering? This is a great way to improve your CV and if you do well it could get you a fantastic recommendation from your employer or team leader as well. In addition, in your CV or future job interviews you can talk about the volunteering work you completed rather than the previous employer who let you go! Check out do-it.org.uk.
Got a question for us? It’s really easy – just email info@plotr.co.uk in complete confidence with your question (please put CAREERS ADVICE in the subject header). No question is too big or small. What’s more, you will be really helping out other readers who are dying to know the same thing!
35
OUR MISSION IS TO HELP LE YOUNG PEOP S & EMPLOYER IN THE UK TH REDUCE YOU ENT UNEMPLOYM
H T U O Y JOIN K U T N E M Y O L P M ARE YOU E 16 - 24? ARE YOU A BUSINESS, PROVIDER OR YOUTH OR ORGANISATION LOOKING TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE INTO EMPLOYMENT?