Help! I Have Finished Studying But Can't Find Any Work

I have recently been working with clients that all display a similar pattern.

They have all sought assistance with their careers because they either finished a bachelor degree and can’t get employment in their chosen field or drop out of their degree due to it not aligning with their values or interests.

I understand how hard it is figuring out your career path on your own, I never received any guidance or direction in school or early adult life. As a result I worked numerous jobs with numerous qualifications, none of which I ever felt fulfilled with and always felt like there was something more for me.

Then one day I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want others to go through the frustration, confusion and unhappiness I experienced with my career choices’, so I completed a diploma of counselling (Careers) and am now helping others uncover their dream career path.

Some ways to avoid these feelings and frustrations are by:

• Seeking professional career advice to uncover a career path you are driven and passionate about.
• Understanding current employment projections for the career/ industry you are interested in and ensuring there is good long term growth, so that you don’t undertake a degree that you will never realistically find a job with.
• Ensuring that the path you choose allows you to express your skills and strengths to your advantage.
• Ensuring that your chosen path fits around your hobbies/ sports to allow a great work life balance and adequate down time to do the things in life you love.

The main thing future students should ask themselves prior to committing to TAFE or University is:

• “Is this really something that I love and am driven to do?”
• “What career do I want from this course?”
• “Will I realistically find employment in this career/industry?”

I hope this can help you avoid some of the pitfalls I faced!

Paul Ames is the managing director of Skyes The Limit Career Counselling which specialises in helping frustrated and confused students and parents to uncover their dream career path and live the life they desire.