16 Ways to Discover the World of Work

Starting to think about your future career and entering working life can be a little daunting. It is normal to feel unsure and uncertain about what you want to do in the future due to the sheer number of jobs that are out there. However, there are things you can do to help figure out what route you might want to take and how to get there. The key is to try and learn as much as possible about the world of work and also reflect on yourself and your own traits and skills. This will enable you to start realizing the jobs that are best suited to you and uncover what such jobs entail. 

1. Personality tests

​Personality tests are a really useful tool for learning more about which jobs complement you and your own characteristics and strengths. Visit our website (https://usa.careerguidancecharts.com/career-values.html) to access our Career Values Assessor which is a short, free assessment that will help you reflect on your own traits and aptitudes. Other tests you should take include: Holland’s, Myers Briggs and Redbull, Wingfinder, to name a few. All of these tests will ask you a series of questions in order to decipher how you perceive the world around you and what motivates you into acting and making decisions. Completing these tests will give you a better awareness of yourself and your capabilities. This is extremely useful when looking for work because you will be able to recognize which sorts of occupations you would excel in and which you should avoid. For example, if you find out that you are a very efficient, logical, independent and organized then you will be best suited to organizational and planning roles such as event planner, real estate agent or assistant positions.
 
2. Career Information Websites
 
There are a number of websites that you can access which have information available on an extensive list of jobs and industries. For example, we have a range of digital resources with maps on career sectors, as well as employability posters, and job guides. Check out our range here: https://usa.careerguidancecharts.com/store/c5/Digital_Products.html. Other useful sites include https://www.bls.gov/ooh/, https://www.careeronestop.org/, https://www.usa.gov/, https://careers.state.gov/. These websites contain details on what various jobs entail, what skills are required, routes into the role, as well as information on average salary, big companies, typical hours and career progression. If you are considering a few different jobs or career paths, it is worthwhile finding out as much information as possible about the roles to check that it is the right fit for you and to discover what qualifications you might need to get there.
 
3. Speak to people in the field
 
One of the most effective methods of finding out about a job is to actually speak with someone currently in the sector. Talk to your family members and see if they know of anyone in that sector or role, making connections is an extremely valuable resource when job hunting. Social media is another great tool for this. Platforms like LinkedIn are a great way to reach out to professionals and network with people already in your chosen field. Once you have made contact, be sure to ask questions, accept any advice they may have, and reflect on whether you think the job is right for you.
 
4. Lived Experience
 
It is also important to reflect on the experience you already have. Have you done any volunteering, work experience or been involved with any events or activities within your community? Think about what skills and capabilities you have acquired that lend themselves to certain jobs. Research which careers play to your strengths and experiences.
 
5. Career games or quizzes
 
Online games and quizzes based on careers and skills can be a quick, easy and fun way to learn more about what you are looking for in a future career. The Career Guidance Charts website has  free quizzes, such as the Career Values Quiz and the Strengths Exercises, that you can complete to reflect on your career ambitions and job searching activities. They take no more than a few minutes and will help you to evaluate your decisions, skills and what motivates you. Visit https://usa.careerguidancecharts.com/career-values.html to access the quizzes.
 
6. Leaflets
 
Keep an eye out in schools, job centers and community centers for any leaflets or brochures on career opportunities currently being advertised. Often companies will promote any local opportunities, be that work experience or new vacancies, in leaflets and posters so be sure to take home any that you come across in case there is a role that interests you. Leaflets and posters are also used to market any local events that might be coming up and with events comes the opportunity to volunteer or simply to get involved with your community where you can meet and network with more people.
 
We do provide a range of job guides in leaflet format which can be purchased in print or downloaded digitally. See our products here: https://www.careerguidancecharts.com/store/c38/Job_Guides.html
 
7. Looking at LMI
 
Visit https://www.bls.gov/ (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) to find out more about the current labor market and industry figures. It is extremely useful to be clued up on the present state of the labor market as this will help you to see which sectors are growing, what jobs are in demand, and where you might want to pursue a career. For further insight into industry trends and workforce data you can also visit websites such as https://www.dol.gov.
 
8. Use a Careers Platform
 
An online careers platform is a great space for you to continue your own exploration of a range of potential occupations. Platforms such as http://app.careerguidancecharts.com/ , https://careerspring.org/career-platform/, https://firsthand.co/ or https://joinhandshake.com/ all contain a wealth of career information. You will be able to learn more about what jobs entail and in which sectors, how to enter into roles, what college courses or internships are available, how to build your resume, and much more. Be sure to make the most of what these platforms have to offer because they will equip you with all the necessary information on jobs you might want to pursue and show you how to get there.
 
9. Volunteering
 
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience in the world of work, get involved with your local community, and connect and network with people. Whilst you do not receive any payment for your labor, the benefits you will gain from volunteering are far more valuable. You will get real hands-on experience in the real world, and assess whether you might want to start a career in a given sector or industry. For example you might become a conservation volunteer at a wildlife center and realize you would like a career in preserving and protecting the environment. Furthermore, having experience as a volunteer really boosts your resume and profile because it shows that you have strong work ethic and are enthusiastic about the sector. To find opportunities near you visit https://www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-abroad/united-states-of-america or https://www.volunteermatch.org/.
 
 
10. YouTube and/or Vlogs
 
YouTube is rapidly expanding platform with millions of videos posted each day. Research and watch videos on specific careers, routes into the sector, what jobs actually involve. You could also watch Vlogs of people currently in your desired field and see what their day-to-day life consists of, giving you more insight into what the job requires. This will help you to reflect on whether you feel that job or industry is right for you. Try using hashtags such as #careerpath #careergoals #careeradvice to find relevant content and information. Check out websites such as icould.com for more videos.
 
11. Reading blogs, newspapers or magazines
 
The internet contains a vast amount of useful information on industries and careers so make the most of it. Google your desired field and read through any online articles or blogs to stay up-to-date on industry trends and future projections. Furthermore, being up-to-date about the current and future state of your chosen sector will make you a strong candidate during the job application process and you will stand out as someone who is already passionate about the field. As well as online resources there are a number of useful print materials which you should utilize such as newspapers and physical magazines. For example, if you want to work as a nurse you could subscribe to American Nurse Today or the American Journal of Nursing.  
 
12. Careers appointment with counselor
 
Another great way to learn more about the world of work is to talk with your careers counselor in school or make an appointment with a job center local to you. They are trained professionals whose job is to support people into work so they will be able to guide you on how to pursue a certain career or how to figure out which job might be right for you.
 
13. Visits to employers
 
Take advantage of the opportunities given to you in school. Often schools will organize trips to employers or taster days, be sure to sign up for a place on these visits. These trips will allow you to enter a working environment and see what working life is really like. You will gain further insight into what different jobs involve and might be inspired to pursue a role you hadn’t considered before. You will also be able to chat with people already in the field and find out more about what they do and how they got to where they are now.
 
14. Visits to education
 
Other worthwhile trips include visiting other educational institutions such as colleges or universities. If you have a subject or course in mind attending an open day will allow you to learn more about the modules you could take and what jobs they could lead to. You will also be able to chat to students who are currently taking the course and find out how they have found it and further assess whether you think it’s the right choice for you. Getting as qualified as possible will really support your job search and give you a far stronger job profile increasingly your chance for success during applications.
 
15. Work experience
 
One of the best and most effective ways to learn about the world of work is to gain some work experience. This will help you to gain insight into the field, build and develop necessary skills, connect with professionals already in the industry, and massively boost your profile should you decide to pursue a career in the sector. To obtain work experience you can email or phone companies directly asking for opportunities they might have available. Alternatively you can look on career websites as listed above, or talk to your careers counselor in school to see if they can put you in contact with anyone.
 
16. Social Media research
 
Utilize social media to help you uncover more about the working world. Follow relevant hashtags such as #careerpath #careergoals #careeradvice to receive useful information and advice. You can also join Facebook groups relating to your chosen field where you will connect with likeminded people and access shared resources relating to work. You should also follow influencers who are in jobs you would like to learn more about, you can get a sneak peek into their daily lives and reflect on whether you can see yourself in their position. LinkedIn is another great tool for learning about careers. By connecting with people in your chosen field or following company pages you will keep updated on trends in the market and improve your knowledge of the sector.
 
Summary
For more information on entering the world of work visit our store and access a range of career posters, education infographics and employability resources. We also have our latest job guide range available including ‘How to Write a Resume’, guide to ‘Interview Success’ and ’10 Tips for Jobseekers’.
 
Visit the store here: https://usa.careerguidancecharts.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html