Choosing A Career - College, Alevel, Sixth Form

First examine your values and beliefs and really think about what's important to you in a career. Think about whether you would feel comfortable ethically and morally working in a particular industry. If it helps, make a list of things you'd like in a career and those you wouldn't want; working as part of a team, travel opportunities and a high salary are just a few examples.

Talk to your friends and family. These are the people who know you best and who are likely to be honest with you. Ask them which career they think you would suit.

Also visit your careers office and talk to an advisor; they can carry out tests to help you identify industries that may be right for you, though you might have to pay for these.

As a student you have access to a wealth of free information, so make the most of it. Visit the library and read up on different industries or even individual companies.

If you have a fair idea of the kind of work you want to do, try to find someone who works in that industry and talk to them - ask them what you need to know.

Work experience is important not just because it looks good on your CV but because it will help you discover more about different industries. It will also develop those all-important soft skills employers are now so eager to find, such as an ability to work as part of a team and motivation.

And even when you have decided don't be afraid to change your career path; this is part of the whole process. Until you've started a job you'll never really know what it's like so don't feel your first job is a blueprint for the rest of your life. Many people change career at least once in their lifetime.

It is helpful to have some idea of where you're headed but the most important thing now is to achieve good academic qualifications and develop soft skills that will help increase your employability later.