Exploring Careers

You need to research the various careers that interest you in order to assess their suitability and understand their different entry routes.

Different careers require different attributes and in many cases particular qualifications and specialised knowledge. As you explore different careers you should consider if:

you can move directly into the area of work or do you need some experience or a further qualification?
it would help to spend some time in voluntary work or in a temporary job in order to get a foot in the door?

The first ideas you come up with may be fairly tentative so explore other similar occupations to see if alternatives are more attractive or realistic.

Case studies

Read the case studies of our graduates and find out what they are doing now.

Our Information Resources database lists the occupational material held in the Careers Service and provides links to the websites of professional bodies, journals and sources of vacancies. Much of the material listed is available to take away or to loan for up to one week.

eMentoring scheme

Your chance to engage with a University of Sheffield Graduate who will be able to give valuable insights into a career area that interests you.

Explore Types of Jobs

This section of Prospects provides a direct route into an occupational database which includes job descriptions, entry requirements, salaries, career prospects and sources of employers and vacancies.

Industry insights

Another section of Prospects provides information on a wide range of industry sectors from sales and retailing to media and the performing arts. You can find out about the state of the industry, the major companies operating in the sector and the jobs available.

Next steps

This holds a wider careers information database including graduate and non-graduate jobs.

Making a decision

Bear in mind that at this stage you are not seeking the perfect match, but rather choices which are, as far as you can tell going to meet your broad objectives. Your decision is probably not for life. Though some decisions can have long-term consequences, others enable you to keep your options open until you feel more certain.

If you are uncertain about your next step, visit the Careers Service and talk it over with a Careers Adviser. You can call us on 2220910 to make an initial 15 minute appointment.