Skills every worker needs
Qualifications will always increase your job chances, but there are also
a range of `soft skills’ like initiative and problem-solving that
employers look for. Think about how you may have gained these skills at
school or through extra-curricular activities.
Do these examples apply to you?
• Team sport shows you can work as part of a team. If
you took on a captaincy or vice captaincy, it shows you have leadership. Playing
and training every week also demonstrates your commitment.
• After school work also shows you have commitment. If
you need to interact with customers, it shows you have good communication skills.
It also shows you can manage your time by balancing work and school.
• Helping others – do you volunteer at your local
charity or even help other students at your school? This shows leadership,
initiative and an ability to work well with others.
Now it’s your turn to find your hidden skills. Get your
school careers advisor to help you.
Hobbies and passions
Steven Spielberg’s love of the movies led him to a career as one of
the world’s top film directors. Your hobbies could also lead you to
the right career. Think about all the things you do in your spare time.
If you’re a car fanatic, consider becoming a mechanic, an
engineer or even a car salesman. If the internet is your passion,
think about web design. If you enjoy working with wood, consider
carpentry or furniture design.
Check out www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs for
some more ideas.
Your personality
We all have different personal habits and tastes – and this should
guide your career choices.
There’s no point becoming an accountant if you can’t
stand the thought of sitting at a desk all day. Likewise, becoming
a shift worker may not be a good idea if you like to stick to the
same daily routine.
When you’re brainstorming careers ask yourself:
• Are you an indoors or outdoors person?
• Do you prefer the country or the city?
• Are you a team player or a lone ranger?
• Do friends describe you as a people person or do you like to keep to
yourself?
• Ask the people around you to help you get a fuller picture of yourself.
Take a break
Year 12 can be a pretty tough year, so it makes sense to give yourself a
break. Taking a year off to travel or work will take the pressure off. You’ll
have the headspace you need to think more clearly about your career options.
You could:
• Travel overseas – young Australians can apply for working holiday
visas in 23 countries.
• Volunteer overseas – maybe help out at an orphanage or on environmental
project:www.gapactivityprojects.org.au
• Travel in Australia – follow the fruit picking trail or go WWOOFing – Willing
Workers on Organic Farmers – where you work for board.
• Do a Defence Gap Year in the Army, Navy or Airforce.
• Get a job in your local community – even if it’s unrelated
to your career plans.
Hot jobs in Victoria
Tapping into areas where there are skill shortages will give you a head start
in the workforce. In Victoria there is a high demand for workers in the following
areas:
• Advanced science
• Furniture making
• Health – nursing, pharmacy, radiography, physiotherapy, dentistry
• Horticulture
• Hospitality
• Trades – automotive, metal machining, toolmaking, welding
• Urban and regional planning
Trained health and planning professionals are in particularly
high demand in regional Victoria, as are skilled tradespeople.
Nationally there is a high demand for worker in the retail and
mining industries. Skill shortages can change all the time, so
make sure you keep up to date. Find out more about careers in Victoria
at www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
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