Explore your options. Plan your next step.
You don’t need to have your future career mapped out from day one. Whether you have a clear idea of what you’d like to do or you’re still exploring your options, career planning can help you understand your choices and decide what to do next.
Starting early gives you time to explore different opportunities, develop your skills and gain experience. Your plans don’t need to be fixed – they can change as you learn more about yourself, your interests and the opportunities available to you.
Three steps to help you plan your career:
- Explore your options
Start by thinking about your interests, strengths, skills and what matters to you.
Research different career areas and the types of roles, skills and experience they may involve. The Careers Service can help you explore your options and access relevant information and resources.
- Make a plan
Once you have some ideas, think about the steps you could take to explore them further. This might include developing a particular skill, attending a careers event, speaking to someone working in an area that interests you or gaining relevant work experience.
A career action plan can help you organise these steps and set realistic goals. Review your plan regularly and update it as your interests, circumstances and opportunities change.
- Take action
Put your plans into practice by looking for opportunities to develop your skills and experience. This could include applying for jobs or placements, volunteering, taking part in extracurricular activities, attending careers events or exploring further study.
Not every opportunity will work out, and that’s OK. Each experience can help you learn more about what you want to do and what you might try next.
Need More Help?
You don’t have to plan your career alone. The Careers Service is available throughout your time at the University of Greater Manchester to help you explore your options, develop your skills and make informed decisions about your next steps.
Whether you are just starting to think about your future or are ready to apply for your next opportunity, we are here to support you at every stage of your career journey.
Visit StudentHub and click on ‘Career Tools’ for career planning resources.
