1. How can I get information about a career that interests me?

The best way is to speak to people who currently do the job, perhaps you know somebody that does? Otherwise apply for an internship and get some work experience. Work experience can be useful if you have some spare time, perhaps after graduating, or during school summer holidays. Usually unpaid you may be given the chance to shadow an employer which can provide a valuable insight into what a job entails. It is also a good idea to have a look at some industry publications, these are often not available in normal newsagents but perhaps your local library stocks them? Industry specific websites on the Internet can also be useful in providing up to date career information too.

2. What are the most well paid industry sectors?

Salaries increase proportionally with job responsibility, however some industries do pay a lot more than others. Banking and finance, is one of the highest paying, accountants and bankers are all well paid. Skilled Information Technology personnel, specifically programmers can earn a lot of money too. Sales personnel who work on a commission based can earn a lot of money and any managerial post is usually financially rewarding.

3. I want to travel as part of my job, what career paths should I take?

The world is becoming a smaller place due to rapid affordable communication networks, globalization, and the reduced cost of air travel. As a result there is increasingly greater scope for traveling with many jobs. Some sectors lend themselves to international travel, leisure and tourism, export/trade and commercial airways are among the most obvious, but if you are skilled your abilities will be in demand in other countries.

4. The Information technology industry mainly employs men, why is this? And is it going to change?

With numbers of women in IT falling rather than rising, both the government and the IT industry are scrambling to encourage women to take up IT studies at the earliest possible opportunity. IBM, Microsoft and Sun have all been targeting women with awareness campaigns in an effort to close the skills gap. Hopefully change is on the way.

5. Is it necessary to attend university to get a good well-paid job?

No, attending university is not a guarantee of future success, some industries do however require that you have a degree for example medicine and law. In general, if you do not attend university you will have to start lower down the career ladder, but then again you will have 3 or four years head start on your contemporaries before they graduate. Experience and enthusiasm can go a long way.

6. Does my choice of degree have to dictate the direction my career takes?

If you want to get into a specialized industry like Medicine, Veterinary Science or Engineering then yes, you need to have relevant qualifications. However, if you have a good degree in any subject it can open doors to most industries. Having a degree shows a level of intellect, and commitment. Generally speaking a science degree is seen as being of higher value than an arts degree.

7. I am currently in work but I don't feel challenged, how can I develop my skills so that I am better qualified to move on to something else?

There are many ways to develop yourself whilst you are in work. Perhaps learn a foreign language at night classes or with an audio class. Improve your IT skills, perhaps your company will pay for you to take a course on databases or management. Make contacts whilst you are at work, networking is a very important skill and the adage 'it's not what you know but who you know ' is very true.

8. My great grandfather and grandfather were teacher, my father is a teacher, do I have to be a teacher?

Teaching is a very worthwhile occupation, however if your heart is not in it then perhaps it is not for you.

9. I have just finished university, should I be in a hurry to get my career underway?

Surely if you don't get a foot in the door soon, then you will be left behind. Most people need to find employment rapidly after leaving university to help pay off accrued debts. However you should not feel pressurized into making any career decisions. Take your time so that you get it right.