Choosing your path

So you know what you want for a job, great! But how are you planning on getting there? Luckily for you there a number of paths to choose from to enter your chosen career. The main three we will be covering in this post is apprenticeships, university and straight into the job. None of these options are overall better than the other however they may be better suited to the individual. There are many things to consider when choosing your route to your desired career, what qualifications do I need? Do I need work experience? Does it suit my lifestyle? Does it excite me? What are the implications of this path? These aren’t all light-hearted questions but all are important non the less. To help you gain a better understanding of these pathways lets do a quick overview.

University: University is a ‘more traditional’ pathway and often the most pushed for by schools. University courses are often very broad and aim to cover as much as possible about the subject, this can mean you are learning about areas that don’t necessarily interest you. This can be a blessing and a curse, the curse being you could still not be interested in that area and the blessing being you’ve found something new you enjoy that you didn’t expect to.  Nowadays university courses also give you the opportunity to specify in an area of your chosen subject which can mean you are guaranteed to cover an area that peaks your interest. Many Bachelor courses also offer year in industry or summer placements. These allow you to get industry experience which can be used throughout your career and make you stand out in a job interview. If you are going into a profession where you have to have a degree or other certifications you may not have much leeway with what path you choose but you should still research it anyway. Many students enter a ‘grad scheme’ after university, an early career pathway that allows a company to upskill you while you learn the ropes.

Apprenticeship: Usually a more hands on approach, apprenticeships offer a wide range of learning opportunities and can be accompanied with degrees/certifications. Many apprenticeships now offer a degree or other qualification alongside it at varying levels. If you don’t plan on doing A – levels or a BTEC you can do a level 3 apprenticeship and if you want a degree you can do a level 4 – 6 degree apprenticeship. Apprenticeships don’t have any fees for the apprentice and the employer will cover them however it should be noted if you undertake an apprenticeship and leave you may have to pay back certain fees. Apprenticeships are often viewed as ‘not as social’ as university due to you working and studying, this however depends on the individual. Social life is assumed but not guaranteed at university and the same goes for apprenticeships. During apprenticeships you are gaining work experience, this experience will vary amongst employers and certain regulations are in place to try to ensure you learn what is required. After an apprenticeship you can often go straight into a higher position and skip the grad scheme.

Straight in: You can of course go straight into your career, for cyber this may be into a junior or trainee role. With this you are guaranteed work experience and a salary but not always certifications/qualifications. Many employees may sponsor you to take certain exams this isn’t required however. Employers expectations of qualifications will vary, some may not want any but others may require a lot. It also depends on what role you apply for whilst many senior roles just require experience and expertise, you may also be expected to have certain qualifications to match that. Going straight in allows you to build work experience quickly and start climbing the career ladder.

Lastly, remember you don’t have to get it right first time. Experiences don’t always end up how we imagined them and there is no shame in changing paths to find one that suits you.