Preparing for a Careers Convention

 

Many companies/careers are represented at Careers Conventions. The representatives will have a lot of information and experience to pass on. Careful planning and preparation are very important before you go to a convention:–

– Decide on the careers which are of most interest to you. Take into account your academic ability, aptitudes (things which you are good at) and interests. Speak to the advisers representing those careers first.

– Think about other jobs related to those which interest you most. For example, if you would like to be an electrical engineer, you should consider other branches of engineering. Talk to the advisers representing these careers next.

Your Careers Adviser or Careers Teacher will advise you on the qualifications required for the careers that interest you. If possible find out about entry requirements before the convention, rather than spending time on this when talking to the advisers.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

 • What does the work involve?

 • What training is required?

 • What are the promotion prospects?

 • What kind of person is suited to this job?

 • What skills are needed to do the job?

 • Do you have to work as part of a team or on your own?

 • Does it involve meeting people?

 • Is it necessary to be physically strong?

 • Where would you get such a job? Is it available locally?

 • What does the adviser like or dislike about the job?

 • If additional education is necessary for the jobs which you would like, talk to the advisers from the Colleges of Further and Higher Education and ask about relevant courses.

• For courses requiring a bursary, find out the closing date.The advisers will have leaflets and by all means accept them but do not spend all your time walking around picking up leaflets just for the sake of it. 

The Careers Adviser will be able to supply information on careers not represented at the convention.

As well as asking questions, you may also listen to an adviser speaking to someone else. You might find that you had a false impression of a job, or you may hear about a job that you had not considered. 

A Careers Convention is only the beginning of finding out about jobs. In your school careers library there are leaflets,software packages and reference books which will give you more details about entry requirements, job duties etc. Your Careers Teacher and Careers Adviser will be able to give you further advice. Remember, the more information you gather, the more likely you are to make an informed career choice.