Y12 unsure of a career path
I’m currently in Year 12, taking the subjects Polish, Geography, Maths, and Physics, and I’m predicted A*ABB. However, I am really unsure about what to do when I am older. My mocks are fast approaching (in 5 weeks, to be exact), along with the start of Year 13, which will mark the beginning of university applications.
I find myself in a dilemma because I don't want to waste my time applying if I'm not even sure what I want to do. My subjects probably align best with engineering and IT-based fields, but I don't see myself as someone who enjoys making things, which is the foundation of engineering. This is why I have looked into more geography-based careers, like geoscience or geospatial engineering. However, these career pathways aren't as well advertised online as, for example, finance and medicine, which I definitely do not want to pursue.
As with any career, I am looking for one with stability and a good income, but the main issue I'm struggling with is whether or not I would enjoy it. Another option I've considered is degree apprenticeships, as some of the opportunities they offer align with my interests, like combining education and work while generating an income. This is a big plus for me, as university debt is another downside that deters me from that option.
However, degree apprenticeships are very competitive and are much more focused on specific job roles, which can be challenging for someone like me to decide. My genuine interests are more hobby-based: jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and reading.
I would really appreciate anyone's help, as this is an issue I've been dealing with for two years, and I just don't want to make a decision that I'll regret.
I find myself in a dilemma because I don't want to waste my time applying if I'm not even sure what I want to do. My subjects probably align best with engineering and IT-based fields, but I don't see myself as someone who enjoys making things, which is the foundation of engineering. This is why I have looked into more geography-based careers, like geoscience or geospatial engineering. However, these career pathways aren't as well advertised online as, for example, finance and medicine, which I definitely do not want to pursue.
As with any career, I am looking for one with stability and a good income, but the main issue I'm struggling with is whether or not I would enjoy it. Another option I've considered is degree apprenticeships, as some of the opportunities they offer align with my interests, like combining education and work while generating an income. This is a big plus for me, as university debt is another downside that deters me from that option.
However, degree apprenticeships are very competitive and are much more focused on specific job roles, which can be challenging for someone like me to decide. My genuine interests are more hobby-based: jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and reading.
I would really appreciate anyone's help, as this is an issue I've been dealing with for two years, and I just don't want to make a decision that I'll regret.
Reply 1
Original post by Zagil
I’m currently in Year 12, taking the subjects Polish, Geography, Maths, and Physics, and I’m predicted A*ABB. However, I am really unsure about what to do when I am older. My mocks are fast approaching (in 5 weeks, to be exact), along with the start of Year 13, which will mark the beginning of university applications.
I find myself in a dilemma because I don't want to waste my time applying if I'm not even sure what I want to do. My subjects probably align best with engineering and IT-based fields, but I don't see myself as someone who enjoys making things, which is the foundation of engineering. This is why I have looked into more geography-based careers, like geoscience or geospatial engineering. However, these career pathways aren't as well advertised online as, for example, finance and medicine, which I definitely do not want to pursue.
As with any career, I am looking for one with stability and a good income, but the main issue I'm struggling with is whether or not I would enjoy it. Another option I've considered is degree apprenticeships, as some of the opportunities they offer align with my interests, like combining education and work while generating an income. This is a big plus for me, as university debt is another downside that deters me from that option.
However, degree apprenticeships are very competitive and are much more focused on specific job roles, which can be challenging for someone like me to decide. My genuine interests are more hobby-based: jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and reading.
I would really appreciate anyone's help, as this is an issue I've been dealing with for two years, and I just don't want to make a decision that I'll regret.
I find myself in a dilemma because I don't want to waste my time applying if I'm not even sure what I want to do. My subjects probably align best with engineering and IT-based fields, but I don't see myself as someone who enjoys making things, which is the foundation of engineering. This is why I have looked into more geography-based careers, like geoscience or geospatial engineering. However, these career pathways aren't as well advertised online as, for example, finance and medicine, which I definitely do not want to pursue.
As with any career, I am looking for one with stability and a good income, but the main issue I'm struggling with is whether or not I would enjoy it. Another option I've considered is degree apprenticeships, as some of the opportunities they offer align with my interests, like combining education and work while generating an income. This is a big plus for me, as university debt is another downside that deters me from that option.
However, degree apprenticeships are very competitive and are much more focused on specific job roles, which can be challenging for someone like me to decide. My genuine interests are more hobby-based: jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and reading.
I would really appreciate anyone's help, as this is an issue I've been dealing with for two years, and I just don't want to make a decision that I'll regret.
Hi!
Looks like you've put loads of thought already into your options, which is great to see 🙂
Have you looked at or taken any work experience opportunities yet? Or taking some extra courses such as coding camps? This may help with understanding what you enjoy and why you enjoy it. Really try and broaden your horizons and take as many different opportunities that you can find and that come your way - you never know what you may be interested in or good at.
Finding as many practical opportunities as possible will be really helpful with understanding if you like it or not - and it's ok if you don't, you can then look to pivot as and when you find the next opportunity!
Does your school or college offer any support with finding work experience? It may be worthwhile to start there. If you're struggling, can you do any work shadowing, or even speaking with teachers to see if they can offer you any more guides to careers in the field?
You've got this 😀
Reply 2
Hi!
It's completely understandable to feel uncertain —many people in Year 12 are in the same position, and it's great that you're already thinking about your options carefully. As had been previously be said work experience can be a great way to decide what type of work you like and dislike. Take some time to reflect on what aspects of work you enjoy. Even if your hobbies don’t directly align with a career path, they can give clues about what you might find fulfilling—problem-solving, creativity, structure, or analytical thinking.
Its also getting to the time of year when lots of Universities are hosing open days. Even if you don't know what you would like to study, going to a few open days might be a good way to experience the University environment. You could also attend some course talks to help you understand what subjects you might like. Its also a great way to talk to current degree or degree apprenticeships students to see how they have found the course and if they have any advice.
I hope this helps! Good Luck!
It's completely understandable to feel uncertain —many people in Year 12 are in the same position, and it's great that you're already thinking about your options carefully. As had been previously be said work experience can be a great way to decide what type of work you like and dislike. Take some time to reflect on what aspects of work you enjoy. Even if your hobbies don’t directly align with a career path, they can give clues about what you might find fulfilling—problem-solving, creativity, structure, or analytical thinking.
Its also getting to the time of year when lots of Universities are hosing open days. Even if you don't know what you would like to study, going to a few open days might be a good way to experience the University environment. You could also attend some course talks to help you understand what subjects you might like. Its also a great way to talk to current degree or degree apprenticeships students to see how they have found the course and if they have any advice.
I hope this helps! Good Luck!
Start by trying to work out what sort of job/career area you interested in - and then work out how to get there.
Good careers site with 100s of career profiles - Browse job profiles by sector | Prospects.ac.uk
NHS job roles - Explore roles | Health Careers
Royal Navy Careers - Royal Navy Jobs | Royal Navy
Apprenticeships search - Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
And remember - nowhere does it say that you can only go to Uni or start an apprenticeship straight from school.
If you are still undecided about what you want to do - and why - then plan a gap-year to give yourself time to do some calm thinking. Ideas - Gap Year Activities: Awesome activities abroad with Gap 360 and Camp America® USA Summer Jobs in America Since 1969 | Camp America
Good careers site with 100s of career profiles - Browse job profiles by sector | Prospects.ac.uk
NHS job roles - Explore roles | Health Careers
Royal Navy Careers - Royal Navy Jobs | Royal Navy
Apprenticeships search - Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
And remember - nowhere does it say that you can only go to Uni or start an apprenticeship straight from school.
If you are still undecided about what you want to do - and why - then plan a gap-year to give yourself time to do some calm thinking. Ideas - Gap Year Activities: Awesome activities abroad with Gap 360 and Camp America® USA Summer Jobs in America Since 1969 | Camp America
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