You might be thinking, "I'm only 14 – do I really need to start thinking about my career now? Planning your career early can set you up for success and help you make the most out of your time in school. With the right mindset, you can see that school is an exciting opportunity to think about your future and what you want to achieve.

Here are a few things that might help you start planning for your chosen career.

 Discover Your Interests and Strengths

It’s very valuable to explore what you enjoy and are good at. This can be anything from subjects you love in school, hobbies, sports, or even things you enjoy doing in your free time. Make a list of these interests and strengths – this will be your starting point.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help:

What subjects am I good at?

What activities do I not get bored of?

What are my hobbies and why do I enjoy them?

Research Potential Careers

Once you have a list of your interests and strengths, start looking into careers that align with them. There are many online resources, including the National Career Services website where you can find detailed information about different careers, what they involve, and the qualifications required.

Steps to follow:

Look up job descriptions for careers that you are interested in.

Find out what qualifications and skills are needed.

Research the demand for these jobs in the future. Some jobs might not even exist in areas such as artificial intelligence.

Seek Advice and Support

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Seek advice from teachers, career advisors, family, and professionals in the field you're interested in. Chances are someone you know will know someone in the field you want to be in, whether that be a neighbour or friend of a friend. They can provide guidance, answer your questions, and offer valuable insights.

Who to talk to:

School career advisors.

Teachers and mentors

Family members and friends.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals can give you direction and motivation. Think about short-term goals like improving your grades in certain subjects. Think about long-term goals (like attending a specific university or doing a certain apprenticeship).

Goal-setting tips:

Write down your goals and revisit them regularly.

Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps and remember to reward yourself when you complete a step.

Choose Your GCSEs Wisely

The subjects you choose for your GCSEs can impact your future career options. Some careers require specific subjects, so it's essential to choose wisely. Talk to your teachers, career advisors, and parents to help you make informed decisions.

Considerations:

Which subjects do you need for your chosen career?

What are your strongest subjects?

Are there any subjects that really interest you?

Get Experience

Getting experience can be incredibly valuable. This can include work experience placements, volunteering, or even part-time jobs. These opportunities can give you a taste of the working world and help you build useful skills.

Ways to gain experience:

Look for work experience opportunities in your area.

Volunteer for local charities or community projects.

Take part in extracurricular activities at school like joining the STEM club or debate club.

 Develop Skills

Alongside your academic studies, developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is crucial. These skills are highly valued by employers and can be developed through various activities.

Skill-building activities:

Join clubs or teams at school.

Take on leadership roles, like becoming a part of the school council or a prefect.

Participate in group projects.

Seek Advice and Support

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Seek advice from teachers, career advisors, family, and professionals in the field you're interested in. Chances are someone you know will know someone in the field you want to be in, whether that be a neighbour or friend of a friend. They can provide guidance, answer your questions, and offer valuable insights.

Who to talk to:

School career advisors.

Teachers and mentors,

Family members and friends.

Some advise from our very own BIC Youth on their journey towards their chosen career.

Pursuing Law: Your Guide to Success from GCSEs to a Law Degree

1. Base: GCSEs

Your journey toward studying law at Russell Group University begins with strong GCSE results. While Law itself isn’t a subject at GCSE, focusing on subjects that develop analytical and communication skills, like History, English, and Maths, will be incredibly beneficial. Aim for the best grades, especially in English, as clear writing and reading comprehension are crucial in law. So my tip would be time management as it’s key at this stage, prioritize subjects based on your strengths but ensure you keep a balanced focus across all your subjects.

2. Specialization: A Levels

When choosing your A-levels, studying Law can give you a head start. Additionally include subjects that hone critical thinking, such as English Literature, History, and Politics. These subjects sharpen your ability to analyze complex information and present arguments logically – essential skills for law. Achieving high grades is crucial because Russell Group universities will expect at least AAA, if not higher. My advice would be to develop independent study habits. Law is a reading-heavy subject, so getting comfortable with reading dense texts will set you up for success.

3. Preparation: Work Experience and Extracurriculars

While studying your A-levels, gaining some relevant work experience will strengthen your application to top universities. I’d advise experience at law firms. However, it doesn’t have to be in a legal setting – any role that requires problem-solving or teamwork will be valuable. Debate clubs, student councils, or even public speaking opportunities will help you develop confidence in forming and defending arguments. I’d suggest engaging and keeping up to date with politics, legal news and cases. This will help you understand how the law works in real life and build your awareness of current political and legal issues, which is crucial for interviews and personal statements.

4. The Final Step: Applying to a Russell Group University

When applying to law degrees, especially at competitive Russell Group universities, your personal statement and references matter. Highlight your academic strengths, work experience, and personal qualities that make you suited for law. Show genuine interest in how the law shapes society and be ready to discuss this at interviews. Don’t be discouraged by the competition. Universities are looking for passionate students who are ready to contribute and think critically, so let your enthusiasm, dedication and hard work shine through in your application. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in law and thrive at Russell Group University.

-Nuha Mohamed Nizam 

Applying to a Russell Group university for architecture, like I did at the University of Liverpool, might seem daunting, but it’s all about striking the right balance between creativity and academics. And here’s a secret: you don’t have to be a maths genius to study architecture! While technical skills, like maths and physics, are helpful, creativity is far more important when choosing your A-Levels.

For GCSEs, I recommend a mix of subjects that both challenge you academically and let you explore your creative side. I did design technology (textiles), alongside the core academic subjects that we all have to take. Having a strong academic base is important, but don’t worry if you’re not naturally brilliant at maths or physics—what matters more is your creative problem-solving ability. You’ll learn the technical aspects like structural design and materials as you go through the course, so focus on subjects that allow you to build a strong creative foundation.

When it comes to A-Levels, my top advice is to prioritize subjects where you can really flex your creative muscles. I did art, which was amazing for developing my design thinking and portfolio, but there are loads of options depending on your interests—graphic design, design technology, and even photography could be great choices. Yes, I did maths and physics too, which helped me feel more confident about the technical side, but you don’t _need_ them to succeed. Many architecture students come in without a strong maths background and do so amazingly well. The key is having one creative subject that you can really shine in and making sure you choose A Levels that you’re confident you can score those As in.

Work experience is also a big plus and gives you a taste of the architecture world. Try reaching out to local architecture firms or even construction companies—anything related to design and building can help you learn more about the field. If you can’t find a formal placement, don’t worry! You can also get creative with extracurriculars. Volunteering for design-based community projects, taking online architecture courses, or attending summer workshops can give you that extra edge. It’s all about showing that you’re curious and passionate about architecture.

Now, your portfolio is where you can really show who you are as a designer. Start working on it early, and remember—it’s not just about finished pieces! Include sketches, work-in-progress models, and anything that shows your design process. Universities love seeing how you develop ideas, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Use resources around you too: ask your art teachers for feedback, or visit exhibitions for inspiration.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Architecture is about bringing ideas to life, and your journey to getting into a top university should reflect that creativity. Keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way—you’ve got this!

-Aaliah Azad

Thinking of a career in Medicine. Why not listen to the podcast below from Yameena Rushdy on her journey to study medicine at Russel Group University

- Yameena Rushdy