Career Ready: Build Your Future from Now!

 Many secondary school students know at least vaguely, that career is a major pursuit in life. Many also know that their current education serves as the launch pad into a fulfilling career. But what are the various career choices available, apart from the more popular ones like Medicine, Law or Accounting? How do I know which career path is for me? And, how do I start preparing for a fruitful career from now?

If you seek clarity as a secondary student concerning the subject of career, then our series for this month is for you! Welcome to CAREER READY: BUILDING YOUR FUTURE FROM NOW!

What is a Career?

A career is the long-term expression of what you choose to get good at, be known for, and build value around. 

Your career is that field towards which your skills, interests and efforts are channeled. Your career is the path of long-term occupation (what you do) and pursuit(what you build intentionally), including who you become in the process. 

In simple terms, a job is what you do 'everyday' to earn a living while career is long term, it doesn't stop at earning a living. However, a job can be a route to attaining your career goals. Career can involve entrepreneurship: being a solution provider and an employer of labour - so it is diverse.

Differences between a Job, a Profession and a Vocation

A job is a work you do mainly to earn money. It can be short term or long term and it can be replaced easily. Examples include: working as a cashier, a temporary office staff, a banker and so on. 

A profession is a career built on specialized education, training and ethical standards. It requires formal qualification and long-term development. The skills learnt are not easily replaceable. Examples include: Pharmacist, Doctor, Engineer, Newscaster, and so on.

A vocation is a work you feel deeply called to do, often tied to purpose or service. It is driven by meaning and a strong sense of personal commitment, not money. 

Examples include: Teaching, Community service. 

Note: it is possible for your job, profession and vocation to coincide in one field of endeavour. But this isn't always the case.

Having properly understood what a career is, please note and ponder on this: Your career deserves serious consideration, deliberate preparation and a good academic foundation and skill base. 

Let this knowledge push you to give your best now in school, seek guidance on career choices, discover your talents and strong interests, and grow in all. 

Indeed, building your future career starts now! Anticipate our next article that summarizes the major career paths available to you. Till then, give your career dreams some serious thoughts and attention!