Youth Employment Week
Day 5 - Career Navigator
The nerves can be just as big before you start work and in those first couple of days and weeks than they were before the interview. How can you make sure that you make a good first impression and that you get the most out of your big new opportunity? Lets take a look!
Want to build your career?
Here's what you need to know...
Starting a new job
What do you need to know in the first 100 days of your new job? We can show you how to build your skills and confidence, get to grips with your rights, and what to do if you hit a problem. Find out how to make the most of the experience and settle into your new role.
Starting a new job
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is about learning new things because you want to. You can boost your skills at work and even expand the hobbies you enjoy. There are lots of simple, clever and free ways to start lifelong learning. Explore how you can keep learning in your own time, at your own pace.
Lifelong Learning
Ways to prepare for work TODAY
Starting a new jobExplore the Starting a New Job hub to get tips on settling in, knowing your work rights, and taking care of your mental health and wellbeing.
Free Online CourseIf you’re doing an apprenticeship, explore the short and free In Apprenticeships course to explore your goals and how to make the most of your training.
Ask yourself:
- Do I know what to expect in the workplace when I start my job?
- Do I know my rights at work?
- Do I know where to get support if I need it?
If you're aged 14 – 22 with an interest in marketing and the inclusive sport of horseracing, you can join the Youth Collaboration Group with Careers in Racing. Build skills and confidence as you do everything from co-designing hoodies and videos to understanding what goes on in a racing yard!
Let’s make a SMART goal for your career…
Making a SMART goal is a good way to achieve your goals, no matter how big or small. You can break down your journey to success into small steps that fit your needs.
A SMART goal is:
- Specific: What do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
- Achievable: How can your goal be accomplished?
- Relevant: Why is this goal worth the effort?
- Timely: When do you aim to accomplish this goal?
Example of a SMART goal
“I want to learn more about marketing, so this week I will look for some free online courses I can complete to build my knowledge. This will help me in my job and I can learn more about the industry. I will try to complete one course over the next few months and use what I have learned in my job.”
Try this at home
Use the Get Job Ready SMART goals worksheet from McDonald’s to create some SMART goals that will help you step closer and closer to what matters to YOU.
Get worksheetCareer confidence tip for today
The best way to get the most out of your first job is to go in with a positive attitude and to keep on top of your work by planning your time.
Top tip: Explore how to build your self management skills and self belief so that your prepared for starting work with the best mindset!
Overcoming barriers
It can be scary starting a new job when you’re experiencing everything for the first time.
You’ll be eased into your role and have support while you learn the ropes, but if you feel like you need help to balance life and work or to cope with stress, you can explore our Mental Health hub and the Young Minds website.
Mental health hub Young MindsBuilding your career locally
You can find opportunities to build your career locally through job opportunities and training courses with #CreateYourFuture. It’s like a jobs board for young people!
Sign in to search for development opportunities in your local area.
Aged 16-30? Volunteer with Youth Employment UK and you’ll gain so much more than something great to put on your CV. (You’ll get that too.) Wherever you live, we’ll help you get involved in inspiring projects around the UK or online.
Stay up to date
Get the latest on Youth Employment Week when you’re signed up to one of our newsletters: Young people Schools and careers leaders Employers Charter Members Policy professionals & organisationsGet in touch
Want to know more about ways to get involved? We’d love to hear from you! info@youthemployment.org.uk
