Stuck for careers inspiration? Use our checklist to discover your dream job and how to get there.
Getting the basics
1. Pick a job that you are interested in.
2. Write a job description.
3. Why would you enjoy this job?
4. Do some research and find out what qualifications you will need to get this job – a traineeship, university degree, TAFE Certificate, apprenticeship. Include details of possible courses you could do to get this qualification.
5. What subjects would you complete in your final years at secondary school if you were interested in this job?
6. How much money would you expect to earn in your first year in this job?
7. What type of tasks would you be required to perform in this job?
8. How would you make sure you were a valuable and worthwhile employee?
Dreams and nightmares
People will always have differing opinions about what makes a job good or bad. A busy, high-pressure job might seem exciting and challenging to you, but someone else may find it stressful. Working a long hard day in the great outdoors could be rewarding, or it may be tiresome and overwhelming. Everyone is different.
9. Write a description of your ideal job and your nightmare job (try to make these answers serious – think about what you really want out of your job/career).
Opinion
10. What makes the jobs you listed good or bad for you?
11. Write a list of things that would make your job good in terms of:
- Hours
- Pay
- Tasks
- Responsibilities
Discuss
12. Swap your results with the person next to you. What was different about their ideas? Discuss your similarities and differences with the class.
Australian Curriculum Links:
Work Studies/Year 9/Career and life design: Career development and management
ACWSCL013
Recognise the importance of self-awareness in career and life design.
Work Studies/Year 9/Career and life design: Gaining and keeping work
ACWSCL017
Investigate formal and informal recruitment processes:”researching the variety of processes employers use for recruitment.
Work Studies/Year 9/Skills for learning and work: Work skills
ACWSCL006
Investigate a wide range of occupations, and the skills and personal qualities required in these fields.
Work Studies/Year 10/Skills for learning and work: Work skills
ACWSCL024
Focus their learning strategies on personal and work-related aspirations
Work Studies/Year 10/Skills for learning and work: Work skills
ACWSCL025
Explain the range of skills and attributes necessary to work effectively in the 21st century.
Work Studies/Year 10/Career and life design: career development and management
ACWSCL032
Apply knowledge of self to career decision-making processes.
Work Studies/Year 10/Career and life design: The nature of work
ACWSCL034
Analyse emerging approaches to work and the implications these have for workers to be flexible, proactive and responsive
