Careers: Does the reality match expectations?

How many people do you think will land their dream job in their 20s?

At Futures for You, we'd like to see everybody land their dream job early in life.

According to the latest research, less than a third of people ages 22-29 are in jobs related to their late-teen career aspirations. However, that figure is highly dependent on job sectors.

For example, 11.22% of people had dreams of entering artistic careers, aspiring to be writers, actors, and producers in their late teens. However, as 22-29-year-olds, just 1.4% have made it into these types of roles.

On the other hand, the education sector has been much more rewarding for those looking to make a career out of it. 8.76% of 16-21-year-olds envisioned a future career in teaching, and, as 22-29-year-olds, more than half (4.5%) have achieved that.

What does that mean for you?

It’s fair to say that looking for work is becoming more difficult. The evolution of technology and digital media have meant that applying for roles is more accessible than ever before – Leading to more people applying for each job and making it harder to stand out against the crowd and get yourself noticed by employers.

There are many things you can do to give yourself the competitive edge when applying for jobs, including:

• Keeping your CV up to date
• Tailoring your covering letter to the position and company you are applying for
• Framing your skills and experience to show your suitability for the position
• Brushing up your existing skills, or even discovering new ones

You don’t need to do it alone

Futures for You can help.

Often, taking the right advice at the right time can be the difference between being overlooked, and getting yourself noticed.

Our advisers are on hand to help you to highlight your skills and experiences, grab the attention of employers and help you to drive your career in the direction you want to take it.

Whether your dream job is the same as it was when you were 16, or if you find yourself looking to do something completely different. Don’t let anything hold you back from reaching it.

Ready to get started?

You can talk to our advisers in person, or get information over the phone.

Find your nearest centre.