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General tipps on how to choose a career after high school

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Picking one career to pursue after high school can be tricky.

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Life after high school doesn't end. In fact, life begins once there's no more lockers, gym class, or teachers nagging you about homework. Once you become an adult, it is up to you to care about the decisions that you make to further your life goals. In terms of choosing the right career, it is important to consider the multiple education paths that you could explore, such as college, community college or trade school, or the military. You should begin planning for what's next by your junior year of high school.

1. Take a career assessment test in which you answer a series of questions designed to analyze your strengths and weaknesses. These tests also consider different personality types for each individual. While career tests should not be your main source of decision making, you can use them as a tool to help you decide what career might match your interests.

2. Think about your interests and hobbies. If you enjoy science, you may want to apply to college and pursue a career in engineering or marine biology. Write a list of possible careers that match your interests and your capabilities. If you find you are happiest when you work with others, jot down that you are a team player. In that case, you may want to consider jobs that involve people interaction instead of careers like computer programming or writing, which require more alone time. Speak to an adult you trust about your ideas and be willing to receive feedback.

3. Research the careers that you are considering. Write a profile for each, including job description, salary, educational requirements and job outlook. Realistically look at each profile and picture yourself performing the job duties. However, you have to consider all factors. For example, you may be able to picture yourself wearing scrubs and performing open heart surgery, but if you hate biology and can't imagine investing years in medical school, then it may not be a good idea to pursue medicine.

4. Narrow your options and look for a career with growth opportunities. While it is important to pick a career that will stimulate your mind, it is also important to be practical about the job market. If you decide that you want to go to college, you will need to pick a career that enables you to make a living after you graduate.

5. Jump into the first step of realizing your career dreams. If you have decided that you would like to pursue a career that requires higher education, do your research on applying to the college or program, including qualifications, application deadlines, tuition fees and length of study. If you have decided on a career that does not require higher education, start looking for ways to enter the field and gain experience. Speak to someone who already has your dream job. This person can provide a better picture of the pros and cons of the profession.

About the Author

Cooper Veeris holds a bachelor's degree in English from Fordham University and lives in New York City. In addition to contributing regularly to various websites as a writer, she has experience teaching different populations and age groups including early childhood, junior high and high school students, and adults living with mental illnesses.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

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How to Choose a Career After High School

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Life after high school doesn't end. In fact, life begins once there's no more lockers, gym class, or teachers nagging you about homework. Once you become an adult, it is up to you to care about the decisions that you make to further your life goals.

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more detailed schedule what young people could do

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more detailed schedule what young people could do

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It doesn't matter if you are a student or seasoned professional looking for work. The same principles apply and it requires discipline and a positive attitude.

Work out what excites you and what doesn't

Write down what would be your ideal job and then write down the skills/qualifications you have to prove you can do that job. If you get stuck on this search for your job via CareerOne.com.au or other online jobs site to help you define the type of job that excites you.

Find companies you would love to work for

Think about your favourite brands or companies that are industry innovators. Maybe you want to work for a company that offers flexibility. To help you find the company you want to work for view the following sources:
http://www.brw.com.au/lists
http://www.greatplacetowork.com.au/best-companies/best-places-to-work-in-australia

Write your resume

Now that you have a better understanding of the type of job and company you want to work for, you need to write your resume with these two things in mind. If you are not confident in writing your Resume yourself and need assistance, I strongly recommend you get some help.

Prepare your job search strategy

Ok, so with your list of companies you want to work for, start linking people you know who work there now or have worked there in the past. Don't forget to ask your network if they know anyone who works there to introduce you. With this list start emailing, calling or having coffee's with people to tell them about your skills and if they know of any opportunities in your field that they could introduce you to.

You should also use recruitment agencies too as they have contacts into many companies across industries and can help you find the right role for you. To find a list of recruitment agencies relevant to your industry and/or area of focus do a google search on recruitment agency Sydney or Victoria etc,.

Don't forget to search on employment websites like CareerOne.com.au where you'll find positions being advertised in your industry/occupation by recruitment agents and small, medium and large companies.

Tailor your resume and cover letter for every position

Don't assume you can apply for positions with the same resume and cover letter. Every job description and/or application process will have a different set of criteria the employer is asking for. While you have a master copy of your resume and cover letter you will need to go through and tweak it here and there to bring forward the relevant skills/qualifications and experience the employer or recruiter is asking for.

Apply with confidence

Here's the easy part. Start sending your resume and cover letter off to your network and positions you've seen advertised in the paper and online. Your due diligence in understanding what you want and mapping out who you can deliver value too will pay off

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Looking for a job? - CareerOne Career Advice

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It doesn't matter if you are a student or seasoned professional looking for work. The same principles apply and it requires discipline and a positive attitude. Work out what excites you and what doesn't Write down what would be your ideal job and then write down the skills/qualifications you have to prove you can do that job.

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University, vocational training, job, self employment

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really short, but with useful Links

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On a train back to London from Oxford at the weekend, I sat next to a very friendly 15-year-old, who despite not having even finished her GCSE courses, already had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to study at university, and where. (If you're 15 and have no clue, don't worry - that's pretty normal!)

By way of explaining her passion for explaining stuff (she told me, amongst many other things, why the sky appears blue, why witches are depicted wearing pointy hats, and where J. R. R. Tolkien got his inspiration for The Hobbit), Maddy happily admitted to being a 'dork'. By this, she meant she loved learning.

Now, this may sound incredibly cheesy (and incredibly obvious) but this really reaffirmed for me the importance of finding a course of study you really love. Because if you end up choosing a course for reasons other than being really, genuinely interested in the content, then you're unlikely to enjoy it, or get the best results.

Again, I realize that not everyone has identified their lifelong passions by the age of 15. Or even 18. I reiterate: that's totally fine.

But if you are one of those people who aren't too sure, don't just pick something and hope for the best! There are lots of options you can make use of, to ensure you really get the most out of your degree, in terms of both enjoyment and academic success.

Sometimes, just taking some time out can really clarify things (#agonyauntcorner). It's likely to be particularly difficult to make a decision about the future when you're in the midst of juggling exams, coursework, applications and so on. You could also use the time afforded by your gap year to find out more about a different course of study.

2. Take a free online course

One way of sampling different subjects is to take a free online course. Many universities are now using online software like iTunes U to upload recorded talks and lectures, which can be downloaded free of charge.

3. Take a short course or evening classes

If you're able to, try taking a shorter course in the subject - perhaps an evening class, part-time course or summer school. This could be especially useful if you're interested in a course of study you haven't had the opportunity to study before. (More on summer courses here.)

4. Read up on your course of study

Get hold of some books on the subject, and see whether you're gripped by them or not! You could even check out the reading lists of courses you're considering - many departments will publish these online (or may send you one if you ask). A warning though: don't rule out a subject just because you find one book heavy going - it may just be the style of writing, or that you need some teaching input to make things clearer.

5. Attend open days/university fairs

As much as you can, go to university open days and university fairs. Talking to people who teach the subject and students already on the course can give you much more of a feel for what it's really like, the kind of topics covered, and the style of teaching and studying. (More on what to ask at open days .) If you're studying at undergraduate level, the QS World University Tour can help you explore your options, or if you're looking to study at graduate level, the QS World Grad School Tour allows you to meet with admissions officers (and attendees will also be eligible to apply for the QS Scholarships).

6. Find a flexible university system

If you're still not sure, the best suggestion I can make is to choose a university with a flexible system, that will allow you to explore more than one subject area, and if necessary to change your mind.

In North America, for example, it's common to spend the first two years of an undergraduate degree covering a wide variety of subjects, before deciding on a major. Elsewhere, many universities offer dual degrees, which allow you to study two or more different subjects. Others will have scope for students to take at least some modules from other courses.

It's also worth asking how easy it is to switch subjects if you really have a change of heart - though I wouldn't advise doing that during an admissions interview!

7. Try out our new course matching tool

And finally, an excellent way to find the right course for you is to use our course matching tool. You simply need to answer four simple questions to begin browsing from a wide range of options for your preferred course and study destination, and you can tailor the results even further by narrowing down your preferences (based on the indicators used to compile the QS World University Rankings®).

For example, if 'employer reputation' is important to you, but its research rating is less important, you can mark this using the sliders above the results. You can also put in your preferences on the university's size, tuition fees, ratio of international students to domestic students and more, making it easy to find a course of study you'll enjoy. You can learn more about how to use the matching tool here.
This blog post was originally published in March 2012. It was updated in June 2018.

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How to Find a Course of Study You Really Love

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If you're not totally sure, what can you do to make sure you've picked the right course of study?

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This guide is all about passion. Your passion for your course, and for your future career. Because the secret to happiness is being able to love whatever it is you do in life.

And what does this all have to do with choosing the right course for you? It all starts here. Find the right course, at the right university or college, and you will be inspired to succeed.

So how do you make the right choice? Check our Top 10 tips on choosing your course for the lowdown on getting where you want to be - faster.

Top tip #1: Why?

The most important consideration when choosing your course is asking yourself why you are looking to study.

Do you want to further your career by extending your skill set? If this is the case then you should choose a course in a subject that is a natural progression to your existing skills and qualifications. If the aim is to progress further with your current employer then selecting a course that is relevant to your work would be recommended. Discussing study options with your peers, colleagues or employer can help to determine what qualification will help with your career.

Are you looking to diversify your knowledge or change career path completely? Studying is an ideal option if you are looking to change career, providing the chance of selecting from a wide array of subjects, which in turn can provide opportunities in a variety of jobs. If this is your reason for studying it is important that you consider what career you wish to pursue. Studying can be expensive, so be sure to fully research any prospective career.

In summary:

Think about your existing experience and skill set.

Consider prospective careers and employment opportunities.

Think about what subjects interest you.

Talk to your employer, colleagues or peers about which courses are relevant and may improve your career.

Top tip #2:What are you really interested in?

It's really important to think about what you are interested in, and what course you want to study. Is it because you can see your exciting, glittering career ahead? Or is it because it's what your parents want? By questioning yourself now, you can work out the exact path you want your course to take you on.

Top tip #3: Where would you like to study?

There are really two parts to this. Where is the best country to specialise in this subject area? Maybe it's a country with plenty of internship and graduate work opportunities in that industry, or a city that has access to specific resources. If you're interested in marine biology, why not head straight to the world's largest coral reef in Australia and learn right at the source?
It's also a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you're happy in your life, you'll be happy in your study.
SEE ALSO: Where to Study? Choosing a Study Destination
Top tip #4: Take a reality check

Now that you have found your dream, let's just stop a minute and make sure it's realistic. Can you afford the flights, tuition and cost of living? Do you need to have certain qualifications first - English language proficiency, GMAT scores? Don't get discouraged - a pathway program may be all you need to cross those hurdles. And if this really is your passion, then prove it in your scholarship application and you may get some financial help.

This is also the point where you need to realistically think about long you want to study for. To help you decide here are some example study durations for full-time study:

Postgraduate Certificate - 6 months

Undergraduate Degree - 3 years

MA - 1 year

PhD - 4 years

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT: GMAT scores, how much it really costs to study abroad, scholarships.
Top tip #5: Do your homework

You need to narrow down all your options to about five real, practical choices. That takes a lot of research. A StudyLink course search is a good place to start! Read student blogs to see what it's really like. Glossy prospectuses don't always tell you the full story, so talk to people you know who have studied in that country or city about what it's really like.
SEE ALSO: Our Student Stories Blog
Top tip #6: What's important to you?

While you are researching, you'll come up with all kinds of different criteria to judge a university or course by. So make a shortlist of the top three features you're looking for. These could be school ranking or prestige, research facilities, practical experience and internships, cost of tuition, student support services, safety, social life, chance to travel... there are so many variables, and what's right for you may be completely wrong for someone else.

Top tip #7: How do you like to study?

Hopefully you have some idea by now of how you prefer to study. And hopefully the answer is not 'by sleeping' or 'by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam hall.' Some people prefer final exams, others like regular assignments to keep them busy throughout the year. Some like theory, others like practical hands-on application. Some like to work in groups, others like to work individually. Some like to present their assignment verbally, others prefer to create written reports. Choose a course that suits your study style, and you will be more confident in your success. Or, if you want to challenge yourself, choose a course that will take you out of your comfort zone!

Top tip #8: Look at your career prospects

Studying overseas can be expensive, so think of it as an investment in your future. And that means your career and your salary. Find out where other international students at that university have worked after graduation, and if there's an active alumni network, or the opportunity to meet industry leaders during your course.
SEE ALSO: What businesses want from a recent graduate
Top tip #9: Focus on the detail

Every subject has so many different options, so it's good to know the most specific interest you have. Engineering students could study anything from bio-medical engineering to civil engineering. So if you'd rather build bridges than human body parts, understand that before you sign up.

Top tip #10: You can always change your mind

Yes, this is an important decision. But if you get there and you realise you've made a terrible mistake, it's not too late. Talk to the student counsellor on campus, and see if there are better options for you there. Don't spend the next five years of your life staring at textbooks you have no interest in whatsoever. Remember, it's all about your passion - keep the excitement alive, and you will succeed!

If you want more advice on choosing a course, chat to us on our Facebook page.

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10 tips to choosing the right course | Study Abroad Blog, StudyLink

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This guide is all about passion. Your passion for your course, and for your future career. Because the secret to happiness is being able to love whatever it is you do in life. And what does this all have to do with choosing the right course for you? It all starts here.

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How and When to Apply
All applications to UK universities are made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Simply fill in a UCAS application form on the UCAS website.

Make sure you get your application in well before the deadline, particularly if you want to study at one of the top universities in the UK. See our handy page listing all UCAS deadlines here.
There are 5 steps to UCAS applications: 1. Registration
First and foremost register your details with UCAS. This bit is simple just make sure you input it all correctly.
2. Find a course
Possibly the most important stage, you'll need to identify a course you want to spend the next 3 or more years of your life committed to. Our advice on Choosing a Course takes you through the process.

Use our CUG Course Chooser to search through over 100,000 courses.

Once you've found a course take a note of its unique UCAS code, you'll need this to fill out the application form.
3. Find a university
You've found the perfect course now you need to make sure you study it at the right university. Advice on Choosing a University will help you come to the right decision. Think about more than just league table position - what about the location, the accommodation and the facilities?

Once you've made your shortlist of universities make a note of their unique UCAS codes.

4. Fill out the application form

One application form is used to apply for 5 different choices. You can apply to 5 different universities for the same course or 5 different courses at the same university, it's up to you.

Remember you'll only have room for one personal statement and these are normally quite specific to the course. Read our insider advice on successful personal statements, courtesy of James Seymour, Director of Admissions at the University of Buckingham.
5. Send and wait for replies
Once you've submitted your application universities will have time to consider your application.

Non-EU international students

International students from a non-EU country can submit an application to UCAS at any time between 1 September and 30 June in the year preceding the academic year that studies commence.

However, most students apply well before 30 June to make sure that places are still available and to allow plenty of time to make immigration, travel and accommodation arrangements.

EU international students

Applicants from within an EU country must ensure their application form is received by UCAS by 15 January; otherwise they will be treated as late applicants. Different, usually earlier, dates apply for Oxford and Cambridge, and for medical and art and design courses. Check when an application is due on the application timetable.

As well as the UCAS application, remember to check on eligibility for any possible scholarships, loans and grants.

Find out more about the UK application process in our Applying to university section.

Next page: Entry and Employment Regulations

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Thinking about taking your studies overseas? Speed up your search and start here with our comprehensive breakdown to applying to a British university. Use our CUG course chooser to search through over 100,000 courses and find out all you need to know about the UCAS application.

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You've reached the final decision of becoming an international student and just have to get started on applying for a university abroad. Are you too afraid to begin the process and keep postponing it? Well, no need to stress out! The sooner you start searching for information and begin with the application process for a university degree, the higher the chances you will be accepted to one or more of the universities that you dream about.

Applying to a university, whether it is in European countries like the UK, France, Germany or Sweden, in the U.S., China or anywhere else, it is not as complicated as you may think. You just have to pay attention to a few details and prepare all the necessary documents as soon as possible.

Find 92,895 Bachelor's degrees available worldwide

Here are some useful tips and observations to consider before starting to apply for a university abroad:

1. Widen your horizon

Even if you have set a clear goal that you want to be a student of a certain university, it is always best and wise to apply to at least three universities, even if they are in different locations abroad.

2. Be realistic and informed

Check and read the academic requirements carefully to figure out the probability of being accepted to the university. If you don't have a clear idea about the requirements, you can contact the department of international students or an adviser from the university.

3. Easier application process

Usually, you can apply through the website of the university directly and submit all the required documents or send them by post. In some countries, you can apply through a specific online platform that is easier to use and also gives you the possibility to apply to more universities at once. Some of these websites even include additional features that can help you choose your degree, especially if you're not 100% sure of your future field of study.

4. Don't mix them up

When you apply to more universities simultaneously, through various online systems, make sure you follow the exact steps and place the names of the universities that you want to apply to in the order of your preferences.

5. Write your own motivation letter

Some universities will require a motivation letter. You will find many examples on the internet on how a motivation letter should look like. However, it would be better for you to stand out a bit. So you should try to be as honest as possible, and share all your experiences that are connected to the academic requirements and your future study programme.

6. Be careful with the paperwork

All documents have to be officially translated into the official language of the respective country and legally authenticated by a competent authority.

How to apply to international universities in Europe, China or the U.S.

Some countries have specific requirements or rules for international students; if you are from the EU and apply to a university from an EU country as well, the application process is more likely to be easier and receive a reply faster than if you were a non-EU student.

Check out below some specific particularities and requirements in U.S., UK, China and some of the countries in the EU.

How to apply in countries in the EU:

In the UK, most universities will only accept your application through the UCAS system for a Bachelor degree and if you apply for a postgraduate programme, you can either submit all documents through the university's own website, or through UKPASS system.

In Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany, you have to go through a pre-application procedure and check the criteria of eligibility of your prior studies. Mainly, you have to get a response either from the embassy/consulate in your area or the international office of the university about the probability of being admitted. Most EEA countries require an entrance examination which may be a written test, and depending on your study choice, you may have to additionally pass auditions or present a portfolio.

How to apply in countries outside the EU

In Switzerland, distance education certificates, night school certificates or part-time high schools are not recognised by Swiss universities. This means that you will have to pass the Swiss equivalent for international baccalaureate called maturity examination.

North America

If your dream is to study in the U.S., the general recommendation is to start searching for a programme two years before you intend to apply. Furthermore, it is best to contact the university advisors/officers one year before you submit all the documents.

View 62,233 Master degrees available worldwide

Asia

China has set an age limit when it comes to applying for a degree as follows: universities don't accept students over 30 for a Bachelor's degree and over 40 for a Master's degree and a PhD.

Australia

Apply for a university in Australia

Australia has set a helpful system to attract and help international students better understand the application procedure. Through UAC website, Australia provides education advisors/agents in all countries that will offer complete details and information about applying to a university to future international students. Moreover, through Qualifications Framework (AQF) for higher education in Australia, you can also have a clearer picture of the degree names and levels.

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How to Apply to Universities Worldwide and Tips for Being Accepted in 2018 - MastersPortal.eu

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You've reached the final decision of becoming an international student and just have to get started on applying for a university abroad. Are you too afraid to begin the process and keep postponing it? Well, no need to stress out!

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General information on starting a business

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General information on starting a business

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9 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Editor's note: The article was excerpted from 202 Ways to Make Big Bucks and Stop Mooching Off Your Parents. Buy it today from Entrepreneur Press.

When an allowance or minimum-wage job just won't cut it, it's time to start a business. There's an idea for everyone, regardless of skills, experience or funds. Getting started in any new moneymaking enterprise is always the hardest step. To help you get past this stage, here are the different types of businesses you can start, as well as some other things to consider before choosing your ideal business.

Provide a service. The first option is to provide a service, such as dog walking, car washing or grass cutting. The best thing about providing a service is that everyone is qualified regardless of age because we all have a skill, knowledge or experience that other people are willing to pay for in the form of a service that you provide; or, they are willing to pay you to teach them your specific skill or knowledge. Providing a service knows no boundaries--any young person with a need or desire to earn extra money can sell and provide a service.

Providing a service is a great option for young entrepreneurs because in many instances the initial investment to get started is little more than business cards and a bit of initial advertising, and often not even that.

Sell products. Another possibility is to purchase new products, such as sunglasses, clothing, fashion accessories, furniture or gifts in huge quantities at wholesale prices and resell these items for a profit. You can sell them from home, online, at flea markets, from mall kiosks or a vending cart in town. Or you might choose to purchase secondhand products, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, cars, restaurant equipment or books at bargain basement prices by scouring garage sales, flea markets, business closeouts, auction sales and classified ads, and resell these items for a profit using many of the same venues from which you purchased them. Like providing a service, selling new or used products knows no boundaries, and everyone is qualified regardless of age and experience.

Manufacture simple products. A third option is to manufacture and sell a product at retail prices directly to consumers, or at wholesale prices and in bulk directly to other businesses such as retailers, exporters, wholesalers and distributors. I know that I am starting to sound like a broken record, but once again, everyone is qualified because we all know how to make something, or with basic training can quickly learn how to make a simple product that can be sold for a profit. Ideally, you will want to start with something you already know and turn a hobby such as making stuff from wood or quilting into a profitable business venture. However, there are also literally hundreds of products that can easily be made at home with just basic training, and then sold for big profits. Just a few of these include candles, soap, toys, clothing, art, jewelry, furniture, garden products, herbs, birdhouses and picture frames.

How Much Money Can You Earn?
How much extra money do you want to earn? I have to put the answer in the form of a question because operating your own business, even if it is a small part-time moneymaking enterprise, almost always gives you the potential to earn more money than you would be able to by working a job. Why? One reason is simple duplication. When you work for someone else, there is only you and only so many hours in the day to work for a specific set wage. When you operate a business, you can duplicate yourself by hiring employees and therefore increase productivity and duplicate your customers. If you're really ambitious you can even duplicate your business by opening in new geographical areas to sell more products and services to more customers and earn more profits and income. Without question, there are upper limits to how much money you can earn operating a small business, but at the same time your ability to earn an above-average income or a ton of extra cash will be determined by your ambition and motivation, and not by punching a time clock trading hours for a wage.

Choosing the Right Moneymaking Opportunity
The type of business or moneymaking opportunity that you are considering must suit you. You may have an interest and even experience in a specific business, selling a product, providing a specific service, or making and selling a product, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good thing for you to do to make money. There are many points to consider when finding a good match, including doing what you want and believe that you would enjoy, capitalizing on current skills and experiences, the amount of money you have to invest to get started, and if you are younger than 16 or so, obtaining parental permission and support.

Do what you love. I cannot stress enough that you should do what you love to do to earn extra money, or at least something you believe you'll enjoy. If you don't like what you're doing, chances are you won't stick with it for long, and even if you do, you probably won't be motivated to do a good job. What you get out of your business in the form of satisfaction, money and enjoyment will be the direct result of what you put into your business. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, it's safe to assume that will be reflected in the success (or lack of it) of your business.

All successful businesspeople, regardless of their ages, share a common trait: They love what they do. If you enjoy fitness, consider starting a personal trainer service; if you like the great outdoors, then seek out an opportunity that will get you working outside; or if you love animals, then start a pet-sitting business, dog-walking service, or any other number of opportunities that will enable you to work with animals. The old saying "Do what you love and the money will follow" is great advice. Ultimately, if you don't think you would enjoy it, then don't start. You can't stay motivated and rise to new challenges if you don't like what you're doing.

Capitalize on your skills and knowledge. The first thing you should know about capitalizing on your skills and knowledge is not to worry if you lack business skills and experience in areas such as selling and bookkeeping. These are important skills to have, but at the same time they are also skills that you can learn. More important is the question, "What specific skill or specialized knowledge do you currently have that can be used to start your own business?" Skills and knowledge that you possess are your best and by far your most marketable asset. For instance, if you know how to pay the piano, that is a skill that other people will pay you to teach them. Or, if you know how to build a birdhouse, that is also a skill that you can capitalize on by starting your own birdhouse manufacturing and sales business.

However, with that said, most people have a tendency to underestimated the true value of their skills, experiences and knowledge. But keep this in mind: What may come naturally to you may not come so naturally to others. Likewise, you might think your particular knowledge or expertise may be of little value, but if someone else needs or wants to learn about that knowledge, needs the service, or needs the product, it is very valuable to them. Create a list of all of your skills, experiences and specific knowledge. Then look for ways to build a business or moneymaking opportunity around one or more of these.

Startup funding. Another important issue you need to consider in terms of finding a good match is the amount of money you have to start a business. The first question is, do you have access to the money needed to start the business? If not, it probably isn't a good match--at least right now--and you should consider alternatives. An alternative might be to start a different type of business that requires less money to get rolling, or find a partner to help share the costs of the business startup and workload.

The money needed to start a business (called "investment capital") can be broken into two categories: The first is startup capital--what you need to purchase equipment, meet legal requirements, or buy inventory, for example. The second is working capital--the money you need to pay all the bills until the business is earning money and reaches a break-even point. Unfortunately, more times than not, a new business that is started without enough money will ultimately fail. This is the harsh reality of the business world.

On a positive note, the vast majority of young people who start a business have little in the way of personal expenses to pay (such as rent or mortgage payments), which means that you can use most of your startup money for the business. Likewise, many of the opportunities featured in 202 Ways Not to Mooch Off Your Parents can be started for less than a few thousand dollars, and lots for as little as $100. Therefore, while having or having access to enough startup funding and working capital is important, if you don't, you will still be able to find a moneymaking opportunity that is right for you.

Parental permission and support. A good match also means you have full parental permission and support to start and operate a business. Parental permission is an important one because if you are underage, your parents or legal guardian will need to act on your behalf and sign or cosign any number of legal, financial and insurance documents depending on what business you choose.

Equally important is parental support because in many instances you will be relying on your parents or other family members to help out with your venture. This could mean borrowing the family car, having parents drive you around for various business-related reasons, or using space in the family home to store things or set up an office or work area, just to mention a few. Therefore you should discuss your business desires and plans with your parents to get their full permission and support for your venture before making any decisions.

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9 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Editor's note: The article was excerpted from 202 Ways to Make Big Bucks and Stop Mooching Off Your Parents. Buy it today from Entrepreneur Press. When an allowance or minimum-wage job just won't cut it, it's time to start a business.

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Why start a small business? Some people want to spend more time with family, and starting a business allows them to do that. Some find it exhausting to be outside the house all day, dealing with traffic, co-workers, meetings and interruptions. Some people hate answering to a boss all the time - needing permission to schedule a dentist appointment or take the day off when they're sick. Some people are unmotivated by the security of a regular paycheck and prefer the challenge of the direct rewards or losses that entrepreneurs see from their efforts.

Maybe you want to build an empire and become famous, or create a wealth-generation machine that you can pass on to your children. Or perhaps you can't convince anyone to recognize your unique vision and you've decided that it will never come to fruition unless you strike out on your own. Or maybe you're thinking of self-employment because you've been unemployed for so long that you feel you've exhausted all other options.

Becoming a small business owner has unique challenges and rewards that aren't right for everyone. You must be driven, disciplined and able to identify a product or service that people need - one that they will pay enough for to allow you to live comfortably. You have to develop marketing skills and be able to find your own work, because it won't fall into your lap until after you're well established. Business owners need to understand how to budget, keep records and handle small business taxes. They must familiarize themselves with employment laws if they want to hire staff. They also need a plan for protecting their business and everything that's tied to it if something goes wrong. (For more, see Are You An Entrepreneur?)

In this tutorial on starting a small business, we'll address all these issues and more.

Starting A Small Business: Choosing Your Business

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Why start a small business? Some people want to spend more time with family, and starting a business allows them to do that. Some find it exhausting to be outside the house all day, dealing with traffic, co-workers, meetings and interruptions.

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Article in German

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Nach dem Abitur sind viele Schulabgänger erst einmal planlos. Sie wollen studieren oder eine Ausbildung machen. Doch wissen sie in den meisten Fällen noch nicht genau, in welche Richtung es gehen soll. Die Schule hat die Absolventen nicht auf diese Entscheidung vorbereitet. Psychologie, Wirtschaftspädagogik oder doch Lehramt ? - die Auswahl möglicher Studiengänge ist riesig. Studienführer und Onlinetests verwirren manchmal mehr, als dass sie helfen. Abiturienten, die mit einer Ausbildung liebäugeln, sind sich häufig auch unsicher. Ist die Ausbildung der richtige Weg oder sollte ich besser ein Duales Studium machen?, fragen sich viele. Hinter dieser Unsicherheit steckt die Frage: Wie soll es jetzt für mich weitergehen? Um sie beantworten zu können, müssten die Schulabgänger erst einmal wissen, was sie vom Leben wollen. Doch wer weiß das schon nach acht oder neun Jahren Schule? Deswegen gönnen sich viele nach dem Abitur eine Auszeit, ein sogenanntes Gap Year, um Zeit zum Nachdenken zu gewinnen...

Das Gap Year - Zeit, um nachzudenken

Gap Year bedeutet Lückenjahr und stellt eigentlich erst einmal nichts anderes dar, als eine bewusst eingelegte Pause. Häufig wird diese zwischen dem Abitur und dem, was danach folgt, eingeschoben. Sei es ein Studium oder der Berufseinstieg. Gleichermaßen ist ein Gap Year aber beispielsweise auch zwischen Bachelor und Master oder nach dem Studienabschluss möglich.

Ursprünglich kommt es aus England, erfreut sich jedoch auch hierzulande einer großen Beliebtheit. Das Gap Year ist so beliebt geworden, weil es jungen Menschen die Möglichkeit gibt, sich auszuklinken, über ihre Träume und Ziele nachzudenken und auszuprobieren.

Für viele, die heute nach dem Abitur gerade einmal 18 Jahre alt sind, kommt die Entscheidung über ihre weitere Zukunft einfach zu früh. Meist fühlen sie sich noch nicht bereit, diese weitreichende Entscheidung zu treffen. Sie brauchen erst einmal Zeit für sich. Genau diese Chance bietet das Gap Year und kann genutzt werden, um sich über einige grundlegende Fragen Gedanken zu machen und noch offene Fragen zu beantworten:

Was möchte ich?

Nur die wenigsten jungen Menschen sind sich wirklich sicher, was sie später einmal mit ihrem Leben machen wollen. Zu vielfältig sind die Möglichkeiten, zu gering das Informationsangebot.

Ein Gap Year kann da genau zum richtigen Zeitpunkt kommen, um Ungewissheit zu überwinden und sich ein genaueres Bild von dem zu machen, was man die nächsten Jahre oder vielleicht sogar Jahrzehnte machen möchte.

Was gibt es noch?

Während der Schulzeit und auch im Studium sind die Möglichkeiten meist begrenzt - nicht nur finanziell, sondern auch im zeitlichen Rahmen. Wer in dieser Zeit keinen längeren Auslandsaufenthalt möglich machen konnte, kann im Gap Year zum ersten Mal über den eigenen Tellerrand hinaus blicken.

Viele Erfahrungen können erst gemacht werden, wenn der Schritt gewagt wird, für längere Zeit etwas Neues und Unbekanntes zu machen. So findet man nicht nur eine Menge über sich selbst heraus, sondern erhält auch einen Einblick, was es noch alles gibt, woran man bisher vielleicht noch nie gedacht hat.

Wozu bin ich in der Lage?

Grenzen austesten, Stärken und Schwächen kennenlernen, Selbstbewusstsein sammeln. Das Gap Year kann freier gestaltet werden als Schule oder Studium und kann so an die eigenen Bedürfnisse und Wünsche angepasst werden.

Wer sich noch nie einer wirklichen Herausforderungen stellen musste, unterschätzt sich oft selbst und weiß gar nicht, wozu er wirklich imstande ist. Erst wenn es drauf ankommt und man gefordert ist, kann man über sich hinauswachsen.

Was interessiert mich?

Im Gap Year können völlig neue Bereiche erkundet werden und möglicherweise neue Interesse und Vorlieben entdeckt werden. Vielleicht wussten Sie gar nicht, wie sehr Ihnen fremde Sprachen, die Arbeit mit Kindern oder der Einsatz für Naturprojekte liegt.

Durch einfaches Ausprobieren lässt sich meist am besten herausfinden, was zu einem passt. Leider ist die Zeit dafür oft viel zu knapp bemessen oder das Ganze bekommt gar einen negativen Beigeschmack, wenn viele verschiedene Praktika gemacht wurden.

Was habe ich?

So manchen treibt es auch ins Gap Year, um einfach mal Abstand zu gewinnen. Weg von zuhause, dem ganzen Stress, der eintönigen und langweiligen Umgebung, wo einem Tag für Tag die Decke auf den Kopf fällt und von der man nur noch genervt ist.

So kann das Gap Year auch genutzt werden, um zu erkennen, wofür man dankbarer sein sollte, was einem wirklich wichtig ist, aber auch, was man in seinem Leben nicht braucht.

Doch wie kann man diese Zeit nutzen? Welche Alternativen bieten sich? Wir stellen Ihnen drei Möglichkeiten vor und zeigen, wie Sie Ihr Gap Year nutzen können.

Zwei Fragen, die Sie sich vor dem Gap Year stellen müssen

Bevor Sie sich ins Gap Year stürzen, sollten Sie sich die Zeit nehmen, um im Vorfeld zwei wichtige Fragen zu klären. Diese nutzen der Organisation, sind allerdings auch wichtig, um Ihnen dabei zu helfen, das Beste aus der Zeit zu machen und am Ende zufrieden zurückblicken zu können.

Was ist Ihr Ziel?

Hier geht es nicht um ein konkretes Land, das Sie bereisen wollen, sondern um das, was Sie in Ihrem Gap Year erreichen wollen. Persönliches Wachstum, eine neue Sprache, Selbstbewusstsein oder auch ein besserer Blick auf die Zukunft sind nur einige von unzähligen Zielen, die sehr individuell sein können.

Wichtig ist nur, dass Sie diese Ziele kennen und sie sich vor Augen führen - nur so lassen sich diese auch erreichen und umsetzen.

Wie sieht die Finanzierung aus?

Kein schönes Thema, um das Sie aber nicht herumkommen. Ihr Gap Year muss nun mal bezahlt werden. In einigen Varianten verdienen Sie während des Aufenthalts Geld oder Unterstützung, auch Auslands-Bafög oder Kredite sind möglich.

Die Frage der Finanzierung sollte möglichst frühzeitig in Angriff genommen werden, da möglicherweise die weitere Planung daran angepasst werden muss.

Gap Year Variante 1: Auslandserfahrung sammeln

Zahlreiche Abiturienten zieht es nach der Schule ins Ausland. Den gewohnten Heimatort und Kulturkreis verlassen und neue Erfahrungen in einer fremden Kultur sammeln. Selbständiger werden, etwas von der Welt sehen und eine neue Sprache lernen - das sind Gründe, wieso es Abiturienten ins Ausland zieht. Doch auch hier ist das Angebot vielfältig:

Work and Travel

In ein fremdes Land reisen, dort Jobs annehmen und von dem Lohn reisen und das Land erkunden. So funktioniert Work & Travel. Beliebte Ländern hierfür sind Australien, Neuseeland und Kanada. Doch ganz so einfach ist es nicht, denn die Jobs sind nichts für schwache Gemüter.

Ein beliebter Job ist das "fruit picking", bei dem im Akkord Organgen, Äpfel und andere Früchte gepflückt werden. Wer sich hierfür entscheidet, sollte sich darauf einstellen, möglicherweise hart zu arbeiten.

Die Vorteile liegen aber darin, dass Sie für Ihre geleistete Arbeit bezahlt werden und so den Aufenthalt zum Teil vor Ort finanzieren können. Durch die Arbeit erhält man oft auch einen besonders guten Einblick in die Lebensweise anderer Kulturen, anstatt nur als Tourist unterwegs zu sein.
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Au-Pair

Ein Au-Pair unterstützt die Gastfamilie im Haushalt und kümmert sich um die Kinder. Als Gegenleistung dafür erhält man freie Kost und Logis sowie ein kleines Taschengeld. In der Regel arbeitet man 30 Stunden pro Woche, hat Anspruch auf 1,5 freie Tage wöchentlich sowie bezahlten Urlaub. Daneben besuchen die meisten Au-Pairs einen Sprachkurs.

Welche häuslichen Aufgaben man im Einzelnen übernimmt, hängt von der Familie ab. Diese reichen von der Kinderbetreuung, über einkaufen, kochen bis hin zu Putzarbeiten. An Au Pairs werden außerdem einige Bedingungen gestellt, so sind ein Schulabschluss, ein gutes Sprachniveau und besonders auch Erfahrung in dem Bereich besonders wichtig.

Durch den täglichen und intensiven Kontakt und das Leben in einer Gastfamilie bauen Sie in dieser Zeit meist enge Beziehungen vor Ort auf. Durch die Unterkunft und Verpflegung ist ein Au Pair Aufenthalt mit weniger Kosten verbunden.

Nähere Informationen finden Sie auf der Website der Au-Pair Society.
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Volunteering

Wer sich sozial engagieren und gemeinnützige Projekte unterstützen möchte, wird als Freiwilliger oder sogenannter Volunteer aktiv. Die Programme "weltwärts" und "kulturweit" bieten die Möglichkeit, sich beispielsweise in Tierheimen, Waisenhäuser, oder Schulen zu engagieren.

Das "Kulturweit"-Programm ermöglicht es, auch in Auslandsbüros der UNESCO oder des Goethe-Instituts zu arbeiten. Bezahlt wird man für seine Arbeit nicht, jedoch helfen die geförderten Programme den Aufenthalt überhaupt erst möglich zu machen und sorgen für Betreuung vor Ort.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf den Websites von weltwärts oder kulturweit.

Sprachreise

Wer sich ganz auf das Erlernen einer Sprache konzentrieren will, sollte eine Sprachreise machen. In einem mehrwöchigen Kurs widmet man sich intensiv dem Ausbau der eigenen Sprachkenntnisse. Häufig erwirbt man im Anschluss an den Kurs ein Sprachzertifikat.

Jedoch sind die meisten Angebote sehr kostspielig und verschlingen für nur vier Wochen bereits 2.000 bis 3.000 Euro. Hinzu kommt, dass man während der Zeit kaum Kontakt zu Einheimischen hat, sondern die meiste Zeit im Kursverband verbringt.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der Website des DAAD sowie des Fachverbands Deutscher Sprachreise-Veranstalter.

Das könnte Sie auch interessieren

Wenn Sie mit dem Gedanken spielen, Ihr Gap Year im Ausland zu verbringen, empfehlen wir Ihnen auch diesen Artikel:

Gap Year Variante 2: Praxiserfahrung sammeln

Ein Klassiker für das Gap Year ist das Sammeln von Berufserfahrung. Wer sich unsicher ist, was den späteren Berufswunsch angeht, kann die Auszeit nutzen, um einige Berufsfelder zu erkunden und herauszufinden, ob möglicherweise etwas passendes für ihn dabei ist.

Das freiwillige soziale Jahr - FSJ

Das Konzept besteht bereits seit über 50 Jahren. 40.000 Plätze werden jährlich an engagierte junge Menschen vergeben. Das FSJ bietet Freiwilligen die Möglichkeit, sich für ihre Mitmenschen und die Gesellschaft einzusetzen.

Als Interessierter suchen Sie sich einen anerkannten Träger, also beispielsweise einen Verein oder eine soziale Einrichtung, und bewerben sich. Besondere Qualifikation sind in der Regel nicht notwendig. Wichtig ist die persönliche Motivation.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie Seite des Bundesarbeitskreises Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr..
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Das freiwillige ökologische Jahr - FÖJ

Das FÖJ funktioniert im Prinzip genauso wie das FSJ, nur ist das Einsatzgebiet ein anderes. Hier steht das Engagement für Umwelt- und Naturschutz im Vordergrund. Mögliche Arbeitsstellen sind Landschaftsverbände, Naturschutzparks, Wälder und Naturschutzvereine.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der Website des des Bundesarbeitskreises Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr.

Der Bundesfreiwilligendienst - BFD

Der BFD oder liebevoll Bufdi genannte Freiwilligendienst ist ein noch relativ junges Konzept, das erst 2011 eingeführt wurde. Im Jahr 2014 gab es 40.000 Plätze für Freiwillige. Eingeführt wurde er vor allem als Ersatz für den Zivildienst.

Genau wie beim FSJ können unterschiedliche Projekte und Einrichtungen unterstützt werden. Hier ist auch ein kurzfristiger Einstieg möglich.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der Website des Bundesamts für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben.

Praktikum

Wer bereits eine erste Vorstellung davon hat, in welche Richtung es gehen soll, für den bietet sich ein Praktikum an. Dieses bietet Ihnen die Gelegenheit, den Job näher kennenzulernen und einen Einblick in den Arbeitsalltag zu erhalten.

Falls möglich, sollte das Praktikum dabei länger als nur einige Wochen dauern. Nur so ist es möglich, die Arbeit wirklich kennenzulernen oder sich in ein Projekt einzuarbeiten, anstatt immer nur zuzugucken und mehr oder weniger außen vor zu bleiben.

Worauf Sie bei der Auswahl eines Praktikums achten sollten und welche Rechte Ihnen zustehen, finden Sie in diesem Artikel.
Lesen Sie dazu auch:
Gap Year Variante 3: Das Studium auf Probe

Das Studium Generale bietet die Möglichkeit Uniluft zu schnuppern, bevor man sich dafür entscheidet, was man eigentlich studieren möchte. Dabei handelt es sich um Lehrveranstaltungen, die für jedermann öffentlich zugänglich sind. Sie werden von Hochschulen zusätzlich zum Lehrangebot veranstaltet. Das spezielle Programm beinhaltet Veranstaltungen aus den unterschiedlichsten Fachbereichen.

Darüber hinaus gibt es auch spezielle Programme die Orientierungs- und Entscheidungshilfe zum Studium geben sollen. Ein solches Programm ist das Studium Generale am Leibniz Kolleg in Tübingen oder am Salem Kolleg. Doch diese Orientierungshilfe ist mit nicht zu unterschätzenden Kosten verbunden. Ein Studienjahr am Leibniz Kolleg kostet rund 4.700 Euro.
Lesen Sie dazu auch:
Gap Year im Ausland: Aber wo?

Sie haben sich für eine Zeit im Ausland entschieden, doch nun stehen Sie vor den Problem, dass Sie nicht wissen, wo es hingehen soll? Verständliche Frage, denn gleich mehrere Faktoren spielen bei dieser Entscheidung eine Rolle. Zum einen wollen Sie natürlich ein fremdes Land kennenlernen, eine Kultur erkunden und neue Leute treffen. Hierbei folgen Sie am besten Ihren Interessen. Welches Land interessiert Sie? Welche Kultur fasziniert Sie? So können Sie die Auswahl an Ländern eingrenzen. Allerdings muss der Auslandsaufenthalt auch finanziert werden. Damit die Kosten Ihnen nicht über den Kopf wachsen, zeigen wir Ihnen neun günstige Reiseziele.

1. Pokhara, Nepal. Die Stadt liegt im ziemlich genau im geographischen Mittelpunkt des Landes und ist für viele Touristen der einer der ersten Anlaufpunkte. Pokhara liegt in einer wunderschönen Landschaft mit dem zweitgrößten See Nepals auf der einen und einem Gebirgsmassiv auf der anderen Seite der Stadt. Zwischen Juni und September ist allerdings mit starken und anhaltenden Regenfällen zu rechnen - Monsun! Planen Sie Ihre Reise dementsprechend.

2. Hanoi, Vietnam. Die Hauptstadt des Landes liegt im Norden und liegt wie der Name Hanoi - Stadt innerhalb der Flüsse - schon sagt, im Delta des Roten Flusses. Im Sommer sind Temperaturen über 30 Grad an der Tagesordnung. Die perfekten Voraussetzungen, um die Sehenswürdigkeiten zu besichtigen und die Altstadt zu erkunden. Lassen Sie es sich dabei nicht entgehen, die lokale Küche auszuprobieren!

3. Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt, Vietnam. Vielen noch unter dem alten Namen Saigon bekannt, liegt die mit mehr als 7 Millionen Einwohnern größte Stadt Vietnams im Süden des Landes. Mit einer Vielzahl an Museen, Theatern aber auch Märkten gibt es eigentlich immer etwas zu sehen. In den warmen Sommermonaten ist sicherlich auch das südlich gelegene Mekong-Delta einen Ausflug wert.

4. Goa, Indien. Goa ist keine Stadt, sondern der kleinste Bundesstaat Indiens, der aus einer Vielzahl kleinerer Städte besteht. Es liegt an der Westküste Indiens und hat mit seinem tropischen Klima sind das ganze Jahr über sehr warme Temperaturen garantiert. Die Hauptreisezeit liegt zwischen November und März, wobei in der Zeit zwischen Weihnachten und Neujahr die Preise in den Hotels höher liegen als sonst.

5. Kathmandu, Nepal. Die Hauptstadt Nepals ist mit circa 1 Million Einwohnern auch gleichzeitig die größte Stadt des Landes. Eine Reise lohnt sich nicht nur, um den Mount Everest zu sehen. Auch die Stadt selbst mit vielen hinduistischen und buddhistischen Tempelanlagen bietet viele Möglichkeiten.

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand. Die mit knapp 150.000 Einwohnern zweitgrößte Stadt Thailands liegt im Nordwesten des Landes direkt am Fuß eines Berges. Neben der schönen Lage locken auch fast 200 buddhistische Tempel in der Altstadt sowie unzählige Restaurants und Straßenverkäufer, die mit thailändischen Spezialitäten überzeugen.

7. Vientiane, Laos. Die Hauptstadt von Laos gilt wegen ihrer entspannten Atmospähre als beliebtes Reiseziel. Mit vielen Tempeln und alten, französischen Kolonialbauten gibt es immer etwas zu besichtigen. Die empfohlene Reisezeit liegt zwischen November und Februar, da in dieser Zeit die Temperaturen etwas milder sind und Sie in diesen Monaten auch die lange Regenzeit umgehen.

8. La Paz, Bolivien. Allein durch die Lage in mehr als 3000 Metern Höhe ist La Paz bereits etwas besonderes. Das sorgt auch dafür, dass die klimatischen Verhältnisse über das gesamte Jahr nahezu gleich sind. Reisenden bieten sich eine Vielzahl an Museen aber auch die Möglichkeit, eine Tour zum Titicaca-See zu machen, der südlich der Stadt liegt.

9. Quito, Ecuador. Die Hauptstadt des Landes liegt im Norden und befindet sich nur circa 20 Kilometer unterhalb des Äquators. Das Wetter ist das ganze Jahr mit Temperaturen knapp unter 20 Grad frühlingshaft, Viele Reisende nutzen Quito außerdem als Ausgangspunkt für eine Tour zu den Galapagosinseln.

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was soll ich studieren? tipps für studium und uni

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Gap Year: Auszeit nach dem Abi | karrierebibel.de

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Nach dem Abitur sind viele Schulabgänger erst einmal planlos. Sie wollen studieren oder eine Ausbildung machen. Doch wissen sie in den meisten Fällen noch nicht genau, in welche Richtung es gehen soll. Die Schule hat die Absolventen nicht auf diese Entscheidung vorbereitet. Psychologie, Wirtschaftspädagogik oder doch Lehramt ?

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Article including nice exercises in the end.

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Do students in your country go directly to university or college after school or do they have a break first? Taking a gap year between school and uni is quite common in the UK and there are lots of different ways to spend your time.

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Joseph Blass

Apprenticeships are a hot topic, and government incentives such as grants, have created a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. There is a lot of competition for roles so it's important to ensure you stand out.

But what is an employer looking for in an apprentice? And once you have got the job, how can you make the most of it?

Application and interview

Most apprentices have no formal training or qualifications so recruiters look for people who are passionate about the sector they're applying to and will bring energy and enthusiasm to the job.

While you may not have direct work experience, you can demonstrate your interest and skills in other ways, including drawing on our hobbies if they are relevant. For example, someone applying for a role as an apprentice technician will fly through the interview if they can demonstrate their love of IT by showing how they use it in their spare time.

It's also important to demonstrate some of the other day-to-day skills required in the workplace, such as good communication skills and creativity or innovation. Give examples of how you have worked in a team and on your own. In short: show you are versatile. If there's an element of sales or customer interaction, talk about your experience of providing a great service in other areas of your life, demonstrate why it was good and what you have taken from this.

It's hard to juggle work and study so employers are also looking for individuals with a real hunger to learn more and who are committed to working hard.

Remember, it's not just about what you say or your application, body language is also key in an interview - something many apprentices forget. Make eye contact, sit upright in your chair and speak clearly without mumbling. Remember that your employer will be assessing how you might relate to their customers.

Be patient

Apprentices can sometimes make the mistake of trying or wanting to do too much too quickly and become impatient when things don't move as quickly as they'd like. This impatience can be mistaken for boredom.

You will be new to the trade so it's not uncommon to have to do some of the more basic tasks early on - initially, it should be about learning the ropes, getting a feel for the role and becoming familiar with the industry.

Know what you are getting into

Make sure you have a good understanding of what your employer and manager expect from you to avoid disappointment. Ask them whether you can speak to other apprentices before you start. This demonstrates great initiative, which employers will appreciate, and it will ensure you have a good insight into the business and apprentice role.

Admit your shortcomings

Being prepared to admit when things are not right for you is a must. So, if you hate sales and are not very good at selling then say so. It is better to find a career that suits you than try and self-impose one that doesn't. Employers will appreciate honesty and self-awareness as a sign of professional maturity.

By being honest with yourself you will have time to look for an alternative career path rather than spend a couple of years working hard in an apprentice programme that you don't enjoy.

Listen to your colleagues

As an apprentice, you are likely to come into contact with some highly-skilled individuals who are already working in the industry. They may be at a different stage of their life and have different hobbies, but make sure you spend time with them - their experience and advice can really help you to carve a successful career.

Don't make the mistake of pushing them away. See them as your mentors and draw on their skills and expertise. Ask them for advice and feedback to improve your skills, map your career path, raise your profile and boost your confidence.

Be confident and positive

Employers have to invest a lot of time and money in apprenticeship programmes and they want to see these programmes have a positive impact. It's important to demonstrate your hunger to learn, and your interest in the business. Don't be afraid to offer ideas.

The reality is that many employers will offer you a role at the end of your apprenticeship programme because they have got to know you and won't want to lose your knowledge.

But you need to demonstrate that you want to be there and are committed to what you are doing. Be positive, show you can use your initiative, aim to impress, and consider what are you bringing to the team.

If you get involved, work hard and integrate yourself into a team, you will succeed. Apprenticeships will set you up with the qualifications you need to enter the field, and offer priceless hands-on experience.
Joseph Blass is chief executive of This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly update and careers ebook.WorkPlaceLive, which employs one fifth of its workforce as apprentices. Topics

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How to find and make the most of an apprenticeship

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Joseph Blass Apprenticeships are a hot topic, and government incentives such as grants, have created a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. There is a lot of competition for roles so it's important to ensure you stand out. But what is an employer looking for in an apprentice?

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(Gap Year:)
University: Nico, Pascal, Cedric
vocational training: Farhad, Thies
Start a business: Marcel, Izzet

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Get information on your topic, exchange in your group, decide what to focus on

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Get information on your topic, exchange in your group, decide what to focus on

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xx January 2021

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design a questionnaire for your fellow students

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design a questionnaire for your fellow students

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xx January 2021

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duration: 10-20 minutes
Use google Presentation, Power Point or a similar software

xx January 2021

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xx February 2021
useful expressions
practice time

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includes an explainity video

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One way of training for your future occupation in Germany is by pursuing a dual vocational training programme. Such programmes offer plenty of opportunity for on-the-job training and work experience. Programmes usually last between two and three and a half years and comprise theoretical as well as practical elements. You will spend one or two days a week, or several weeks at once, at a vocational school (called Berufsschule) where you will acquire the theoretical knowledge that you will need in your future occupation. The rest of the time will be spent at a company. There you get to apply your newly acquired knowledge in practice, for example by learning to operate machinery. You will get to know what your company does, learn how it operates and find out if you can see yourself working there after completing your training.

This combination of theory and practice gives you a real head start into your job: by the time you have completed your training, you will not only have the required technical knowledge, but you will also have hands-on experience in your job. There are around 350 officially recognised training programmes in Germany, so chances are good that one of them will suit your interests and talents. You can find out which on that might be by visiting one of the jobs and vocational training fairs which are organized in many German cities at different times in the year. Information on when and where the fairs take place are provided by the website Planet-Beruf.net

Employment prospects for students who have completed a dual vocational training programme are very good. This is one of the reasons why this kind of training is very popular with young Germans: around two thirds of all students leaving school go on to start a vocational training programme. Further information on the requirements for starting vocational training in Germany is available here.

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Make it in Germany: Vocational training in Germany - how does it work?

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One way of training for your future occupation in Germany is by pursuing a dual vocational training programme. Such programmes offer plenty of opportunity for on-the-job training and work experience. Programmes usually last between two and three and a half years and comprise theoretical as well as practical elements.

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complete dossier (pdf)

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starting from xx February 2021