Career Choice

Deciding what you want to do in life isn't always easy but there is a lot of support available. The experience of many alumni is that a career is rarely linear and each job brings different opportunities. Careers Consultants are available to chat with you about career options.

Sometimes it just takes an idea to get started:

• An idea prompted by something someone says
• Something you've seen, read or done
• A reaction against something you don't want to do
• Previous experiences

A starting point

• Investigate what alumni from your course have gone on to do. And it may surprise you!
• Research options with your degree subject 
• Think about the jobs your family, friends (and their families!) do. It may help to generate some ideas.
• Attend a Careers Fair and speak with professionals about opportunities.
• Keep your mind open and explore different types of jobs.
• Review some of the Alumni profiles in the "Great Minds" collection.
• Make a list of things you think you would hate to do. Think about what they have in common and why you have dismissed them.
• Attend a career options workshop in the Careers Service. 
• Be inspired by Royal Holloway Entrepreneurs!

Your values

It's an old adage but, for many people, money isn't everything. Think about what is important to you and you may get a sense of what jobs would be more suited.

• Are you a "people person"? If so, in what capacity?
• How important is money or status?
• Do you always need to be challenged?
• Is there scope for personal development? Is there a career structure? Does it matter?
• What sort of environment do you want to work in?
• Do you prefer a face-paced lifestyle?
• Are you willing to relocate for the job?
• Do you prefer to be able to take your own initiative or to be instructed?

Sort*it

The Careers Group has developed a set of online interactive modules and resources to help you at different stages of your career planning. Sort*it is free to use but you need to register before you can access all of its materials. 

Sort*it covers

• Self-Knowledge
• Option Generating
• Researching and Exploring
• Taking decisions
• Implementing & Self-Management
• Transition Management

The first three areas can help you identify career options. It is worth spending time on Sort*it and doing a few of the exercises to help you narrow down the options.