Been a little while since I last blogged but I have been mega busy with university work, but it got me thinking about how much I love my chosen career and also how long it has taken me to realise the right career path for me. I thought I should share my experiences and how to find a career that'll make you happy!
Picture Source: Google ImagesHere is my story to begin with (If you find it too long and boring, feel free to scroll down to top tips!)
I am a student learning disabilities nurse but I originally wanted to be a teacher, so after gaining a degree in religious studies and then experience in a mainstream secondary school (paid work as a cover supervisor - it was tough), a couple of primary schools (a week here, a day there for free just for the experience) I ended up working at a special school where I worked as a teaching assistant for 2 years. I discovered a love for working with children with learning disabilities, the job was absolutely amazing and I loved it but the only downside was that without further training there was not much I could do to progress, so I decided to research what else I could do so I can work with people who have learning disabilities. I looked at occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and even reconsidered teaching but then I came across a learning disabilities nursing course in a university prospectus and found something that made me go, "Yes! This sounds perfect for me..."
So, I had found something that sounded perfect for what I want to do, now I had to pursue it. I decided to apply to universities close by through UCAS, it would have meant having to live with my parents and living off a bursary for 3 years but it was going to be worth it. However, by pure chance I was going through the NHS jobs website (I was helping someone else in a job search) and I came across the opportunity to be sponsored by a local NHS trust to do the course I applied for, which would mean being paid a salary and being contracted to a particular trust. To me this sounded like an amazing opportunity, I was very doubtful of my chances but heck I applied anyway! Imagine my surprise when I get an email saying I have been invited for interview, ensue panic as I get so nervous at interviews! My dad suggested I visited the queen of blag (my sister) and practised interviewing, I also did as much research as I could about current issues in nursing, the trust, the role of a learning disabilities nurse and believe me it paid off! I went to interview and I got the sponsorship! Woohoo!
Anyway, I am still in my 1st year of the course and it goes to show that hard work does pay off. So here are my top tips for getting a career you love:
1. Find an area you are interested in. This could be anything, for me it was learning disabilities but for you it could be something you discovered in your current or previous job, it could even be a hobby. You are more likely to love your career if it's related to something you love doing or a group of people you enjoy working with.
2. Research possible career paths related to your interests. If for example you are very fond of beauty or make up, maybe you could start by looking at a career as a beauty editor in a magazine, working for a cosmetics company or as a make up artist. I realise these particular areas are not easy to get into but everyone starts somewhere. I never even heard of learning disabilities nursing until I did some research!
3. Gain as much experience as you can. This is especially relevant for career choices that are harder to get into, so if you are into beauty then perhaps you could try getting an internship at a magazine or cosmetics company, maybe write a blog about your favourite products, it can be tough but as you build up your CV your chances at succeeding improve. Sometimes it might help if you do a part-time course or do what I did and go back into full time higher education!
4. 80% of jobs are not advertised. I found this statistic out recently and what it means to me is that the best way of finding a job is to research companies you are interested in working for and send your CV to them. Of course, I'd advise this as well as checking job adverts but never be afraid to approach a company, it shows initiative and confidence!
5. Keep up to date with your knowledge of your interest. Every area of work goes through changes no matter what you choose, so keeping up to date with current issues is always going to make you look interested, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. If your main interest is fashion for example, keeping up to date with latest trends and fashion designers is an absolute must when you're trying to get your foot in the door.
6. Don't give up! OK, admittedly I gave up on the whole teaching thing, but not because I stopped believing in myself but because I found something I enjoy a whole lot more. Your interests may change as you gain more experience but you shouldn't give up on yourself or finding your dream career.
I hope this helps anyone.
Lots of Hugs and Stuff
Lindsay xx
