Defining your career ambitions

Your career ambitions are personal to you, but are bound to be influenced by what you see and hear around you – hence the stereotype of wanting to be footballers, rock stars, influencers or astronauts.

Who influences us?

In many cases, the first influences will have come from our immediate family (I personally decided that I definitely did not want to do the same type of work as my parents!), but as we grow up we also absorb ideas from our teachers, family friends and the things we see in the news, sport or popular culture.

What about indirect influences?

The wonderful journalist and writer Daisy Buchanan wrote this piece for Noteworthy, and although it is over a year old, it rings as true now as it did then. Daisy powerfully makes the case that career ambitions are also defined by accident of birth – when were you born, and into which generation?

Our [Millennial] generation were promised every opportunity by our Boomer parents but being average was never an option… There is no point of our professional lives in which we will feel as though we have reached the summit.

Of course every generation will feel as though they have experienced their own advantages and problems, but many of you reading this blog will fall into Generation X or the Millennial Generation, both of whom have experienced a number of recessions and major economic and industrial changes during their working lives. On the positive side, we have outstanding technology making it possible to be connected most of the time; however, the nature of the UK economy has changed, meaning that working lives are often more transitory and require greater flexibility.

What does this mean for you?

With so many influences around us, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are a number of online activities that are freely available, which can direct you towards some career ideas. The Buzz Quiz is a little quirky and only takes a few minutes, and although it will suggest some job types, don’t worry too much about that – focus upon what it tells you about your preferences, values and the types of things you enjoy doing.

If you need a hand after that, then get in touch and we can have an initial chat – it won’t cost you anything and we can hopefully get you moving in the right direction.