Skip to main content

Exploring careers

Key messages

  • It’s normal not to have a clear career plan, and career ideas often change over time. 
  • Exploring different jobs can help you understand your interests, strengths and what kind of work might suit you. 
  • Using simple tools, activities and trusted websites can help you build confidence and take small, manageable steps toward your future.
Working out what kind of job or career you might want isn’t something most people figure out straight away. You might have lots of ideas, or none at all—both are completely okay. 

Exploring different jobs can help you learn more about yourself, what interests you, and what kind of work might suit you. You don’t need a clear plan to get started; just a willingness to explore.

Helpful websites for career exploration

If you’re unsure where to begin, these websites can help you explore different jobs, industries and pathways.

How to get started

Trying a few simple activities can help you learn what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what kinds of work feel interesting to you.  

You could: 

  • Explore career options: Use resources like Explore Careers to think about life and career choices at your own pace. 
  • Try career quizzes: Many career websites offer quizzes that match jobs to your interests and skills—a helpful way to generate ideas 
  • Create a profile: Setting up a profile on career websites lets you save your preferences and keep track of what you’ve explored. 
  • Read career stories: Learn what different jobs involve by reading real stories on myfuture and Your Career. 
  • Watch career videos: See what a typical day looks like in different jobs through video libraries on myfuture and Job Jumpstart. 

There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Exploring is about learning what feels like a good fit for you.

Tips for researching careers

As you explore different options, these tips can help you go a little deeper: 

  • Read job descriptions to understand what skills or qualifications might be needed. 
  • Look at industry information on sites like myfuture and Your Career to learn about jobs in demand and salary expectations. 
  • Watch webinars on Jobs Showcase to hear directly from people working in different industries. 
  • Take notes about what interests you or stands out as you watch or read. 
  • Ask questions during live Q&A sessions if you’d like to know more about a job or study pathway. 

Talking things through with a teacher, careers adviser, mentor or trusted adult can also help you reflect on what you’re discovering.

a young female chef in her chef clothes

Explore careers and build life skills with Year13

Year13 is a free website that helps you explore careers while also building practical life skills through short courses and virtual work experiences. 

With Year13 you can: 

  • Explore careers through job profiles that help you plan next steps. 
  • Try virtual work experiences to learn about industries and build skills. 
  • Build life skills with short courses like money management and digital skills. 
  • Earn rewards for completing activities, with cash and prizes to redeem. 

These experiences can help you feel more confident as you move from school into work, training or further education.

Move at your own pace

It’s normal for career ideas to change—sometimes many times. You don’t need to have a clear plan, or even a long‑term goal, right now.  

Career exploration is about learning, trying things out, and gradually building confidence. Taking your time is not falling behind; it’s part of the journey.

End of article

Was this article helpful?

Related articles