1. Choosing a career: what factors matter?

PRE-READING TASK:

Rate the factors influencing the choice of a career from 1 to 10, from the most important to the least important.

Feeling positive and confident about the work.
Travel opportunities.
Promotion opportunities.
Having relatives or important contacts in the same sphere.
100% chances of employment.
An opportunity to have an active social life.
Comfortable working conditions.
Possibilities to fulfill one's potential, abilities and inclinations.
An opportunity to get a high social status.
Chances to earn a lot of money and get extra benefits.

OVER TO YOU:

• Which of the factors motivated you to choose your career?

• Which factors would you add to the list?

READING TASK:

Match the headings with the paragraphs.

1. Get Real-Life Experience

2. Set your financial goals

3. Know your talents

4. Evaluate your work style.

5. Assess your social needs

C hoosing a career is one of those decisions that can change the course of your life forever. What are the ways to make the right choice?

1. ___________________________

Are you a self-starter and do the work on your own, or do you need the discipline of a structured work place to do your best? If you're naturally a daydreamer or a procrastinator, you may do well in a career where a supervisor helps you stay on task.

2. __________________________

Do you have a hobby or a talent that you love and are good at? Think of ways to transform activities that come naturally to you into a career. Working with wood, playing an instrument or trying different hair styles can lead to careers as a furniture maker, a musician or a hair stylist. Doing what you love is a key to a rewarding career.

3. _ ____________________

One of your goals should be to choose a career where you can earn enough money to meet your financial goals. If you want to own a vacation home on every continent and fly to these homes on your private jet, a career as a secretary will not help you achieve your goals.

4. _____________________

You'll spend one-third of your life with the people you work with, so choose a career that is a good social fit for you. If you're a loner who doesn't enjoy social interaction, you'd better work independently or work from home. If you love to meet new people, choose a career which will fulfill your social needs.

5. ______________________

Find ways to get real-life experience in the kind of place where you want to work. This will help you to decide for certain. Job shadows, internships and temporary assignments give you a realistic view of a day in the life of a profession.

OVER TO YOU:

How does the choice of career influence your life?

What is your working style? Do you need a strict boss or are you a self-starter?

Do you think your future job will be your hobby?

What are your financial goals?

Are you a person with strong social needs?

What are the ways to get real-life experience in the sphere of your future work?