Career Planning - Guidance at School
Does your school give you career advice like this? My daughter's school is getting them to think about career paths during her first year of GCSEs, and just wondered if others are getting the same, similar, or none whatsoever.
The guidance is summary is:
Career Planning (Remember: You make your own luck. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path)
(A) You need to have a target that you are aiming to achieve. It should be challenging, but you also need to create small steps to attain that target
(B) Pick a school that’ll help you achieve it. Education is a tool! Some schools do not offer all Science A-level subjects. Some are mixed ability with no ambition for pupils. Some schools focus on pupils going to any university. Some fixate on the number of students who go on to Oxbridge or Russell group, not their career paths. Best focus on professionally accredited degrees which enable pupils to graduate into career / profession.
(C) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(D) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions, not others in a organisation
(E) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), finance director (ICAEWACCA), HR director (CIPD), MD & company solicitor/advocate (Scotland)/Barrister. The key Chartered Accounting bodies: CAI (Ireland), ICAS (Scotland ), and ICAEW (England & Wales).
(ICAEW: Deloitte, EY, KPMG & PwC – 64% of CFOs, 15% of board chairs & 61% of Financial Reporting Council's senior executive chairs).
(F) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(G) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(H) Make sure that you target degrees that are professionally accredited - will ensure the course is career relevant and taught by experienced staff
(I) Does one of your universities have an institute from France, etc nearby so you get to mix and speak with native speakers = language fluency
(J) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(K) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career + debt! Most of those who do this do degrees like Politics, Sociology, Management, Marketing or Geography where there’s an oversupply of graduates Be wary. Many lecturers teaching degrees in these subject areas have never worked outside academia. Do professionally accredited - career!!
(L) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
(M) In the Public sector there are routes to the upper echelons, e.g. NHS, military (Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army) look at career rotes of Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations), Deputy Chiefs of the Defence Staff (Personnel & Training) / Deputy Chiefs of the Defence Staff (People), Chief of Defence Intelligence, and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Financial & Military Capability), etc
(N) Not all good career paths need a degree, such as recruitment, where REC quals are key, but so is a work ethic, credibility, and persuasion skill
(O) Other routes – Plan B into a career incl. – Accounting apprenticeships, Tailoring/Costume Design apprenticeship and BBC/ITV Academy News Traineeship/Bloomberg - interested in talented and enthusiastic people who have committed themselves to a career in journalism, through their writing, work experience & academic choices. Need GCSE English Lang - B/6 or above, and evidence of genuine interest in news output.
Remember that 34% of school pupils go to university. Most don’t know what career they want to do. The brightest analyse do professionally accredited degrees and plan a career path. Attention to detail when develop career plans will serve you well – it’ll help avoid distractions from goals.
Smart isn’t about getting a degree or as many qualifications as possible. Smart is getting qualifications that matter for your career path = planning.
The guidance is summary is:
Career Planning (Remember: You make your own luck. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path)
(A) You need to have a target that you are aiming to achieve. It should be challenging, but you also need to create small steps to attain that target
(B) Pick a school that’ll help you achieve it. Education is a tool! Some schools do not offer all Science A-level subjects. Some are mixed ability with no ambition for pupils. Some schools focus on pupils going to any university. Some fixate on the number of students who go on to Oxbridge or Russell group, not their career paths. Best focus on professionally accredited degrees which enable pupils to graduate into career / profession.
(C) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(D) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions, not others in a organisation
(E) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), finance director (ICAEWACCA), HR director (CIPD), MD & company solicitor/advocate (Scotland)/Barrister. The key Chartered Accounting bodies: CAI (Ireland), ICAS (Scotland ), and ICAEW (England & Wales).
(ICAEW: Deloitte, EY, KPMG & PwC – 64% of CFOs, 15% of board chairs & 61% of Financial Reporting Council's senior executive chairs).
(F) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(G) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(H) Make sure that you target degrees that are professionally accredited - will ensure the course is career relevant and taught by experienced staff
(I) Does one of your universities have an institute from France, etc nearby so you get to mix and speak with native speakers = language fluency
(J) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(K) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career + debt! Most of those who do this do degrees like Politics, Sociology, Management, Marketing or Geography where there’s an oversupply of graduates Be wary. Many lecturers teaching degrees in these subject areas have never worked outside academia. Do professionally accredited - career!!
(L) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
(M) In the Public sector there are routes to the upper echelons, e.g. NHS, military (Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army) look at career rotes of Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations), Deputy Chiefs of the Defence Staff (Personnel & Training) / Deputy Chiefs of the Defence Staff (People), Chief of Defence Intelligence, and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Financial & Military Capability), etc
(N) Not all good career paths need a degree, such as recruitment, where REC quals are key, but so is a work ethic, credibility, and persuasion skill
(O) Other routes – Plan B into a career incl. – Accounting apprenticeships, Tailoring/Costume Design apprenticeship and BBC/ITV Academy News Traineeship/Bloomberg - interested in talented and enthusiastic people who have committed themselves to a career in journalism, through their writing, work experience & academic choices. Need GCSE English Lang - B/6 or above, and evidence of genuine interest in news output.
Remember that 34% of school pupils go to university. Most don’t know what career they want to do. The brightest analyse do professionally accredited degrees and plan a career path. Attention to detail when develop career plans will serve you well – it’ll help avoid distractions from goals.
You don’t need a degree to be a success, or successful, but you do need to be driven, analytical, adaptable, personable, team player, and tenacious
Smart isn’t about getting a degree or as many qualifications as possible. Smart is getting qualifications that matter for your career path = planning.
Reply 1
Original post
by CJM_1Does your school give you career advice like this? My daughter's school is getting them to think about career paths during her first year of GCSEs, and just wondered if others are getting the same, similar, or none whatsoever.
The guidance is summary is:
(A) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(B) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board of Directors? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions in an organisation.
(C) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), finance director (ICAEW/CIMA), MD & company solicitor (Scot; advocate). (ICAEW: Deloitte, EY, KPMG & PwC – 64% of CFOs, 15% of board chairs & 61% of Financial Reporting Council's senior executive chairs).
(D) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, Public Sector bodies, etc and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(E) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(F) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(G) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career plan...but lots of life-time student debt!
(H) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
Career Planning -Remember: You make your own luck in life. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path and have a strong work ethic.
The guidance is summary is:
(A) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(B) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board of Directors? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions in an organisation.
(C) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), finance director (ICAEW/CIMA), MD & company solicitor (Scot; advocate). (ICAEW: Deloitte, EY, KPMG & PwC – 64% of CFOs, 15% of board chairs & 61% of Financial Reporting Council's senior executive chairs).
(D) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, Public Sector bodies, etc and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(E) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(F) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(G) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career plan...but lots of life-time student debt!
(H) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
Career Planning -Remember: You make your own luck in life. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path and have a strong work ethic.
Hi,
I hope you are well!😊
I left school a few years ago now! I'm currently in my final year at Kent, but thought I'd hop on here and share my experience.
Although it may seem early to introduce such detailed careers support like you summarised above, I don't think its uncommon to introduce and start conversations about careers from year 9. Although less detailed than your summary, during my secondary schooling we had a careers advisor who we could have appointments with about careers, work experience, and next steps thinking about A-levels, college, and beyond to university.
As a Student Ambassador for Kent, I have been into two schools in the last week to run a stall alongside other businesses at a careers fair for students from years 7-13. While it may seem early to introduce this to year 7's, I think its a great idea to start the conversation early and allow students to explore careers, as there are lots of interesting jobs that I'm still not aware of! It also allows students to plan GCSE and A-level options in line with what they are interested in, or need to get them into a certain job, college or university etc 😊
I hope this helps!😊
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
Reply 2
Original post
by University of KentHi,
I hope you are well!😊
I left school a few years ago now! I'm currently in my final year at Kent, but thought I'd hop on here and share my experience.
Although it may seem early to introduce such detailed careers support like you summarised above, I don't think its uncommon to introduce and start conversations about careers from year 9. Although less detailed than your summary, during my secondary schooling we had a careers advisor who we could have appointments with about careers, work experience, and next steps thinking about A-levels, college, and beyond to university.
As a Student Ambassador for Kent, I have been into two schools in the last week to run a stall alongside other businesses at a careers fair for students from years 7-13. While it may seem early to introduce this to year 7's, I think its a great idea to start the conversation early and allow students to explore careers, as there are lots of interesting jobs that I'm still not aware of! It also allows students to plan GCSE and A-level options in line with what they are interested in, or need to get them into a certain job, college or university etc 😊
I hope this helps!😊
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
I hope you are well!😊
I left school a few years ago now! I'm currently in my final year at Kent, but thought I'd hop on here and share my experience.
Although it may seem early to introduce such detailed careers support like you summarised above, I don't think its uncommon to introduce and start conversations about careers from year 9. Although less detailed than your summary, during my secondary schooling we had a careers advisor who we could have appointments with about careers, work experience, and next steps thinking about A-levels, college, and beyond to university.
As a Student Ambassador for Kent, I have been into two schools in the last week to run a stall alongside other businesses at a careers fair for students from years 7-13. While it may seem early to introduce this to year 7's, I think its a great idea to start the conversation early and allow students to explore careers, as there are lots of interesting jobs that I'm still not aware of! It also allows students to plan GCSE and A-level options in line with what they are interested in, or need to get them into a certain job, college or university etc 😊
I hope this helps!😊
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
Thank you, Josie
Reply 3
Original post
by CJM_1Does your school give you career advice like this? My daughter's school is getting them to think about career paths during her first year of GCSEs, and just wondered if others are getting the same, similar, or none whatsoever.
The guidance is summary is:
Career Planning (Remember: You make your own luck. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path)
(A) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(B) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board of Directors? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions in organisation.
(C) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), HR Director, finance director (ICAEW/CIMA), MD & company solicitor (Scot; advocate). Some functions do not make board level in FTSE 250, such as Marketing.
(D) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(E) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(F) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(G) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career plan!
(H) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
(J) Not all good career paths need a degree, such as recruitment, where REC quals are key, but so is a work ethic, credibility, and persuasion skill
The guidance is summary is:
Career Planning (Remember: You make your own luck. “Lucky” people analyse and plan their career path)
(A) Choose a sector then drill down to see which bit of the sector. What hobbies and subjects do you enjoy? There are career paths that use them.
(B) Look at the Board of Directors. Which roles make it to the Board of Directors? They’ll consistently recruit from certain functions in organisation.
(C) Board of Directors roles: PLC – company secretary (ICAEW/ICSA), HR Director, finance director (ICAEW/CIMA), MD & company solicitor (Scot; advocate). Some functions do not make board level in FTSE 250, such as Marketing.
(D) Create a list of the top 10 organisations - Magic Circle Law, Top 4 firms, and analyse the graduate programme requirements for key functions.
(E) Which universities and degree subjects are targeted? What internships can you do? What A-level subjects do you need to do? What grades?
(F) Create a detailed road map - it will give you a sense of purpose, a sense of belief, key relevant steps to do and when, and an end-goal to attain
(G) Don’t go to a university for the sake of studying at a university - it’ll be a waste of time. Far too many leave school and do it - No career plan!
(H) Academic career study Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, Law, History, Engineering, Medicine or Languages
(J) Not all good career paths need a degree, such as recruitment, where REC quals are key, but so is a work ethic, credibility, and persuasion skill
You don’t need a degree to be a success, or successful, but you do need to be driven and adaptable + tenacious.
Smart isn’t about getting a degree or as many qualifications as possible. Smart is getting qualifications that matter for your career path = planning.What miserable, materialistic advice. Nothing about the value of learning for its own sake. Soulless pursuit of money and status.
Reply 4
Original post
by CJM_1Thank you, Josie
Hi,
No worries! 😊
Some of the points raised in the summary are slightly negative, and nowhere mentioned pursuing what you enjoy! Which I believe is the most important thing when giving careers advice😊
I would be cautious of the comments surrounding 'not going to university if it does not lead to a career plan'- I went to university because I absolutely loved learning and my subjects in particular (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology). My studies have opened job opportunities for me in the Social Sciences, and I've found a passion for research, teaching, and working with students and local schools through my studies, which I may not have discovered if I didn't come to university. Going to university is a big decision to make, but if the passion and interest is there for a subject, then go for it! Degrees can open doors for students- just like in my case. So my best piece of advice would be go with your gut and do what you enjoy, and to sometimes ignore others advice if they tell you to do something you don't enjoy!🤭
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
Reply 5
Original post
by University of KentHi,
No worries! 😊
Some of the points raised in the summary are slightly negative, and nowhere mentioned pursuing what you enjoy! Which I believe is the most important thing when giving careers advice😊
I would be cautious of the comments surrounding 'not going to university if it does not lead to a career plan'- I went to university because I absolutely loved learning and my subjects in particular (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology). My studies have opened job opportunities for me in the Social Sciences, and I've found a passion for research, teaching, and working with students and local schools through my studies, which I may not have discovered if I didn't come to university. Going to university is a big decision to make, but if the passion and interest is there for a subject, then go for it! Degrees can open doors for students- just like in my case. So my best piece of advice would be go with your gut and do what you enjoy, and to sometimes ignore others advice if they tell you to do something you don't enjoy!🤭
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
No worries! 😊
Some of the points raised in the summary are slightly negative, and nowhere mentioned pursuing what you enjoy! Which I believe is the most important thing when giving careers advice😊
I would be cautious of the comments surrounding 'not going to university if it does not lead to a career plan'- I went to university because I absolutely loved learning and my subjects in particular (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology). My studies have opened job opportunities for me in the Social Sciences, and I've found a passion for research, teaching, and working with students and local schools through my studies, which I may not have discovered if I didn't come to university. Going to university is a big decision to make, but if the passion and interest is there for a subject, then go for it! Degrees can open doors for students- just like in my case. So my best piece of advice would be go with your gut and do what you enjoy, and to sometimes ignore others advice if they tell you to do something you don't enjoy!🤭
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
You are too polite. The advice is mean-spirited Neoliberal tosh!
Reply 6
Its' a reality check. The school is trying to get all students to realise that you have to be absolutely certain about choices, and commit to them. Its important that university isn't seen as a rite of passage, but they actually think about what they are doing. It seems to work, as several students who chosen artistic courses have gone to Central Saint Martins to do art related subjects, then gone on into teaching professions, and drama seems to be another area that students seem to gravitate too. the main thing is that they are trying to get all students to realise that it an increasingly competitive world.
Reply 7
Original post
by University of KentHi,
No worries! 😊
Some of the points raised in the summary are slightly negative, and nowhere mentioned pursuing what you enjoy! Which I believe is the most important thing when giving careers advice😊
I would be cautious of the comments surrounding 'not going to university if it does not lead to a career plan'- I went to university because I absolutely loved learning and my subjects in particular (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology). My studies have opened job opportunities for me in the Social Sciences, and I've found a passion for research, teaching, and working with students and local schools through my studies, which I may not have discovered if I didn't come to university. Going to university is a big decision to make, but if the passion and interest is there for a subject, then go for it! Degrees can open doors for students- just like in my case. So my best piece of advice would be go with your gut and do what you enjoy, and to sometimes ignore others advice if they tell you to do something you don't enjoy!🤭
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
No worries! 😊
Some of the points raised in the summary are slightly negative, and nowhere mentioned pursuing what you enjoy! Which I believe is the most important thing when giving careers advice😊
I would be cautious of the comments surrounding 'not going to university if it does not lead to a career plan'- I went to university because I absolutely loved learning and my subjects in particular (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology). My studies have opened job opportunities for me in the Social Sciences, and I've found a passion for research, teaching, and working with students and local schools through my studies, which I may not have discovered if I didn't come to university. Going to university is a big decision to make, but if the passion and interest is there for a subject, then go for it! Degrees can open doors for students- just like in my case. So my best piece of advice would be go with your gut and do what you enjoy, and to sometimes ignore others advice if they tell you to do something you don't enjoy!🤭
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
Good point! BTW I am showing my daughter your comments, as what school says has been a shock to her, so its nice to put into a context.
Reply 8
The introduction to the career pack states:
"There is an over-supply of graduates who have little or no idea about what career they want to do after university. Many adopt a wishful thinking approach to careers in an increasingly competitive market, which is often encouraged by parents keen to promote themselves as having a child go to a top uni. School career advice is fixated on degrees, not careers. Since 2015 research has consistently shown that ‘more of those who had chosen to study the most directly vocational subjects, and those who had specialised in numeracy-based disciplines, appeared to have got a job appropriate for someone with their qualifications,’ Findings from research undertaken since the 2009/10 recession show ‘proportion of graduates unequivocally under-employed has increased steeply’. There may well be mismatches in the provision or quality of higher education courses in relation to the changing needs of industry, commerce and the professions. ‘[T]here is growing competition from highly-skilled job applicants from other countries in the increasingly global and fluid labour market. (Source: ‘Does Britain have too many graduates?’, The Conversation - Jo Adetunj, and ‘Futuretrack’ project Warwick Univ.)"
Just learned from the school that in 7 year's time when my daughter is likely to graduate that university fees will have increased, and job prospects will weaken for all, but a handful of career paths.
"There is an over-supply of graduates who have little or no idea about what career they want to do after university. Many adopt a wishful thinking approach to careers in an increasingly competitive market, which is often encouraged by parents keen to promote themselves as having a child go to a top uni. School career advice is fixated on degrees, not careers. Since 2015 research has consistently shown that ‘more of those who had chosen to study the most directly vocational subjects, and those who had specialised in numeracy-based disciplines, appeared to have got a job appropriate for someone with their qualifications,’ Findings from research undertaken since the 2009/10 recession show ‘proportion of graduates unequivocally under-employed has increased steeply’. There may well be mismatches in the provision or quality of higher education courses in relation to the changing needs of industry, commerce and the professions. ‘[T]here is growing competition from highly-skilled job applicants from other countries in the increasingly global and fluid labour market. (Source: ‘Does Britain have too many graduates?’, The Conversation - Jo Adetunj, and ‘Futuretrack’ project Warwick Univ.)"
Just learned from the school that in 7 year's time when my daughter is likely to graduate that university fees will have increased, and job prospects will weaken for all, but a handful of career paths.
Reply 9
Original post
by CJM_1Its' a reality check. The school is trying to get all students to realise that you have to be absolutely certain about choices, and commit to them. Its important that university isn't seen as a rite of passage, but they actually think about what they are doing. It seems to work, as several students who chosen artistic courses have gone to Central Saint Martins to do art related subjects, then gone on into teaching professions, and drama seems to be another area that students seem to gravitate too. the main thing is that they are trying to get all students to realise that it an increasingly competitive world.
Why shouldn't university be a rite of passage? Why should people have to commit to a fixed path when in their teens? Human brains are not fully formed until we are in our twenties. The advice seems to me to reflect the heartlessness of Neo-Liberal Capitalism, reducing humans to mere units of production and consumption, monetising everything and valuing nothing.
Reply 10
Original post
by CJM_1Good point! BTW I am showing my daughter your comments, as what school says has been a shock to her, so its nice to put into a context.
Hi,
I hope you are both well!😊
Yes of course! You are always welcome to ask any other questions, or for any school/career advice for your daughter, and I'll try and help the best I can.
I can understand that it has been a bit of a shock to your daughter, I think I would have been a bit overwhelmed with the advice they have given you. Like I said before, I would be cautious of the advice they have given you as the most important thing is finding what you enjoy and pursuing what you want to- it shouldn't be someone else's decision- After all, you will be the one going to work everyday and I know I'd rather be enjoying my job than disliking a job I was recommended to go into because of career/salary prospects. I would also consider that people change jobs many times in their lives, and you will never know if you like a job until you try it, so choosing one career goal at such a young age is a little bit unrealistic, as interests, job opportunities, and circumstances change as you get older.
While university is a big commitment, and I would advise anyone looking to go to university to really weigh up the costs, benefits and commitments of the course and university, I definitely think it has given me more than an education! It's given me transferrable skills like communication, public speaking, analytical and critical understandings of society, as well as skills in writing, all of which I can take into the workplace!😊
Following the schools advice, choosing one career route at such a young age is a lot of pressure! I know the advice can seem quite overwhelming and negative, but try not to let this get you down. My best piece of advice for your daughter would be to pursue what they like and make sure that no one makes their decisions for them! From my experience the job market is quite competitive, especially when you are up against lots of other graduates with a similar/ identical degree, but I also think it's the skills, extra experiences, volunteering, and extracurriculars acquired along the way which help individuals stand out to employers. It's always a good idea to research different careers, talk to careers advisors, or attend careers events just to know what types of jobs are out there, and take advantage of opportunities to build your CV with skills too. Thinking about careers and finding their interests will allow your daughter to explore options and choose what's best for them!😊
I hope this helps!😊
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
Reply 11
Original post
by Stiffy ByngWhy shouldn't university be a rite of passage? Why should people have to commit to a fixed path when in their teens? Human brains are not fully formed until we are in our twenties. The advice seems to me to reflect the heartlessness of Neo-Liberal Capitalism, reducing humans to mere units of production and consumption, monetising everything and valuing nothing.
In 7 years' time it is expected that student loans will be from banks and financial institutions, not from a government backed Student Loan company. Student fees will be a lot higher, as there will be a reduction in the number of international students, who currently subsidise UK students. There will be a cull in the number of degree subjects being taught. Currently over 50% of English school leavers go to university, with most graduating to jobs that do not require a degree, but they have debts to pay-off, which will impact their life beyond uni. This is why university is increasingly not a rite of passage.
Reply 12
My daughter's school states the following in their advice pack...
The decision of choosing the career path that’s right for you is challenging enough, but a good starting point is choosing a degree that puts you on the first step of the ladder to achieving your goal. Many courses fail to do this. The very best is professionally accredited. Successful careers are planned for on a step-by-step basis from GCSEs. The successful work out where’s best to go and what to do. Professionally accredited degrees have been approved by a professional body to meet the standards and needs of a specific industry, so are relevant and employable. Look at degree apprenticeships too. The best professionally accredited and recommended subjects are (for best career paths, most stable jobs with long-term job tenure, best remuneration, etc,.):
· Accounting & Finance / Accounting & Economics / Accounting & Law / PWC Flying Start (ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, CFA) / AAT
· Actuarial Science / Finance & Actuarial Science / Actuarial Science & Mathematics / Maths, Statistics & Actuarial Science (IFoA)
· Aerospace Engineering / Aeronautics (Aerodynamics) (RAeS)
· Architecture / Structural Engineering & Architecture / Architecture & Landscape Architecture / Architectural Engineering
· Automotive Engineering / Civil Engineering / Civil & Structural Engineering / Aeronautical Engineering / Electronic Engineering & Computer Sci. / Maritime Engineering / Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering / Agricultural Engineering
· Building Surveying / Quantity Surveying / Real Estate & Urban Planning / Construction & Surveying / Real Estate Finance (RICS)
· Computer Sci & Cyber Security (NCSC) / Software Engineering / Robotics & Control Engineering / Information Engineering /Data Science
· Dentistry / Dental Therapy / Dental Therapy & Hygiene / Gateway Programme – Dentistry
· Drama – (a) Degree at a Drama School – RADA, Lamda, or RCSSD, or (b) English Lit + then drama school
· Economics – Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, Warwick, Durham, Bristol, Nottingham, KCL, Edinburgh, Exeter, Bocconi, & St Andrews (for IB careers).
· Education - Child Development, Educational Psychology, or Education Policy
· Engineering Geology & Geotechnics/Mining Engineering – (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3)) - Exeter University
· Fashion Design: Central Saint Martin, Edinburgh Coll of Art, London College of Fashion, MMU, GSA, and Kingston – industry links
· Fashion Management + Enterprise DIPS: (University of the Arts London: LCF)/Strategic Fashion Management (UAL: LCF) (CMI)
· Horology – Birmingham City Uni (accredited by British Horological Institute (BHI), and the British Watch and Clockmakers Guild)
· Horticulture: RHS 2 qualification at Capel Manor college, BSc Horticulture (Plantsmanship) SRUC / Royal Botanic Garden Edin, Diploma at Kew (RBGK)
· Journalism (NCTJ accreditation) – Undergrad: Sheffield Uni.
· Law / Law & French Law / Law & German Law / Law & European Law / Law & Accounting
· Logistics with Purchasing Management / Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain (accredited by CIPS/CILT).
· Management & Human Resource Management (Accredited by CIPD) - specialise in Employment Law + also do REC qualifications
· Medicine / Veterinary Medicine / Gateway Programmes – Medicine or Veterinary Medicine / Veterinary Nurse
· Physics with Meteorology / Geophysics & Meteorology / Meteorology & Climate Science – Reading/Edinburgh for RMetS CMet.
· Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering / Maritime Engineering – Southampton U / Warsash Maritime Sch - Deck/Eng. Cadet
· Nursing – (Adult / Child) - Join RAF Reserves as Medical Support (Nursing) officer / Midwifery
· Nutrition & Dietetics / Sport & Exercise Nutrition / Nutritional Sciences / Nutrition & Medical Sciences / Human Nutrition
· Optometry / Audiology / Orthoptics – Cardiff/Aston/Sheffield
· Pharmacy (Royal Pharma Soc.) / Chemistry with Cosmetics Sci (Society of Cosmetic Scientists) / Chemical Engineering (IChemE)
· Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy (Also, Yoga and Pilates quals) – Join RAF Reserves as Medical Support (Physio) officer
· Psychology and Clinical Psychology (BPS + Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy))
· Radiography / Diagnostic Radiography / Radiotherapy & Oncology
· Teaching – Maths / English & Drama (age: 7-11) Durham/Reading, or Maths/English/C. Sci/Hist +PGCE Oxon/Edin/Durham/Cam
All of the above degrees offer very good career paths, and if you want to do it, they also offer opportunities in academia too!
The decision of choosing the career path that’s right for you is challenging enough, but a good starting point is choosing a degree that puts you on the first step of the ladder to achieving your goal. Many courses fail to do this. The very best is professionally accredited. Successful careers are planned for on a step-by-step basis from GCSEs. The successful work out where’s best to go and what to do. Professionally accredited degrees have been approved by a professional body to meet the standards and needs of a specific industry, so are relevant and employable. Look at degree apprenticeships too. The best professionally accredited and recommended subjects are (for best career paths, most stable jobs with long-term job tenure, best remuneration, etc,.):
· Accounting & Finance / Accounting & Economics / Accounting & Law / PWC Flying Start (ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, CFA) / AAT
· Actuarial Science / Finance & Actuarial Science / Actuarial Science & Mathematics / Maths, Statistics & Actuarial Science (IFoA)
· Aerospace Engineering / Aeronautics (Aerodynamics) (RAeS)
· Architecture / Structural Engineering & Architecture / Architecture & Landscape Architecture / Architectural Engineering
· Automotive Engineering / Civil Engineering / Civil & Structural Engineering / Aeronautical Engineering / Electronic Engineering & Computer Sci. / Maritime Engineering / Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering / Agricultural Engineering
· Building Surveying / Quantity Surveying / Real Estate & Urban Planning / Construction & Surveying / Real Estate Finance (RICS)
· Computer Sci & Cyber Security (NCSC) / Software Engineering / Robotics & Control Engineering / Information Engineering /Data Science
· Dentistry / Dental Therapy / Dental Therapy & Hygiene / Gateway Programme – Dentistry
· Drama – (a) Degree at a Drama School – RADA, Lamda, or RCSSD, or (b) English Lit + then drama school
· Economics – Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, Warwick, Durham, Bristol, Nottingham, KCL, Edinburgh, Exeter, Bocconi, & St Andrews (for IB careers).
· Education - Child Development, Educational Psychology, or Education Policy
· Engineering Geology & Geotechnics/Mining Engineering – (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3)) - Exeter University
· Fashion Design: Central Saint Martin, Edinburgh Coll of Art, London College of Fashion, MMU, GSA, and Kingston – industry links
· Fashion Management + Enterprise DIPS: (University of the Arts London: LCF)/Strategic Fashion Management (UAL: LCF) (CMI)
· Horology – Birmingham City Uni (accredited by British Horological Institute (BHI), and the British Watch and Clockmakers Guild)
· Horticulture: RHS 2 qualification at Capel Manor college, BSc Horticulture (Plantsmanship) SRUC / Royal Botanic Garden Edin, Diploma at Kew (RBGK)
· Journalism (NCTJ accreditation) – Undergrad: Sheffield Uni.
· Law / Law & French Law / Law & German Law / Law & European Law / Law & Accounting
· Logistics with Purchasing Management / Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain (accredited by CIPS/CILT).
· Management & Human Resource Management (Accredited by CIPD) - specialise in Employment Law + also do REC qualifications
· Medicine / Veterinary Medicine / Gateway Programmes – Medicine or Veterinary Medicine / Veterinary Nurse
· Physics with Meteorology / Geophysics & Meteorology / Meteorology & Climate Science – Reading/Edinburgh for RMetS CMet.
· Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering / Maritime Engineering – Southampton U / Warsash Maritime Sch - Deck/Eng. Cadet
· Nursing – (Adult / Child) - Join RAF Reserves as Medical Support (Nursing) officer / Midwifery
· Nutrition & Dietetics / Sport & Exercise Nutrition / Nutritional Sciences / Nutrition & Medical Sciences / Human Nutrition
· Optometry / Audiology / Orthoptics – Cardiff/Aston/Sheffield
· Pharmacy (Royal Pharma Soc.) / Chemistry with Cosmetics Sci (Society of Cosmetic Scientists) / Chemical Engineering (IChemE)
· Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy (Also, Yoga and Pilates quals) – Join RAF Reserves as Medical Support (Physio) officer
· Psychology and Clinical Psychology (BPS + Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy))
· Radiography / Diagnostic Radiography / Radiotherapy & Oncology
· Teaching – Maths / English & Drama (age: 7-11) Durham/Reading, or Maths/English/C. Sci/Hist +PGCE Oxon/Edin/Durham/Cam
All of the above degrees offer very good career paths, and if you want to do it, they also offer opportunities in academia too!
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 13
Update: my daughter is getting interested in Marketing, as it appears to be a creative subject(?)
The trends in the market seem to be: There is growing demand for skills in writing social media marketing, data science & analytics, AI, and machine learning. Increasingly Journalism, Computer Sci with Stats, Computer Science and Philosophy, Data Sci., Management & Computer Sci, or Computer Sci & Economics all appear to trump Marketing degrees. Marketing degrees seem to be teaching solely general marketing syllabuses that might have been useful 10+ years ago.
The key marketing skills that are required now are:
The trends in the market seem to be: There is growing demand for skills in writing social media marketing, data science & analytics, AI, and machine learning. Increasingly Journalism, Computer Sci with Stats, Computer Science and Philosophy, Data Sci., Management & Computer Sci, or Computer Sci & Economics all appear to trump Marketing degrees. Marketing degrees seem to be teaching solely general marketing syllabuses that might have been useful 10+ years ago.
The key marketing skills that are required now are:
1.
ability to write and tell brand narratives ("story-telling"),
2.
understand brand tracking methodologies and social listening tools,
3.
natural language processing (NLP),
4.
storytelling using data and data communication (data visualisation),
5.
turning AI-driven data into actionable insights,
6.
doing AI-driven content analysis, sentiment tracking, automating campaigns,
7.
attribution modelling, econometrics (MMM) and media valuation,
8.
ability to present information to customers/clients
9.
and ability to build credibility with cross-functional teams
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