Not sure of what options you should take or what you want to do after school? Perhaps you need to know the best way of getting your dream job or maybe you have no idea what your dream job is?

Well, there are many people that you can talk to who can help you plan for your future. That includes people like your friends, BIGDOG (of course!), family and other people you may trust like teachers. There are also agencies that exist to help people like you make decision about your career some of which employ careers advisers.

First of all, don't feel bad if you aren't sure what you want to do with the rest of your life! In fact most people aren't sure exactly what they want to do. Secondly, make sure you know what help is available and where you can go to get it.

Things to think about…

If it affects your future then you need to make the decision. By all means listen to other people's opinion, let other people help you get the information you need but in the end you need to decide.

Research is important. Understanding what your options are is probably the biggest factor in making good decisions. Research sounds boring but with the power of the Internet it can be quick and easy.

Not everyone will offer you advice thatis impartial, i.e. they may prefer you to do one thing. As an example some schools want their pupils to stay on in sixth form and that might affect a teacher's advice to you about what you should do after Year 11.

If the issues you are thinking about are private, make sure that the person you are talking to understands that.

Help from other people or agencies can be one or more the following 3 types:

Information

Facts about things that will help you make an informed decision. An example would be asking what qualifications and experience you need to do an advanced apprenticeship.

Advice

Suggestions as to how to achieve something, e.g. how to find vacancies as an apprentice mechanic.

Guidance

Help deciding what you want to do, e.g. deciding whether or not a career in the armed services would be right for you.

Agencies that may be able to help you:

If you are 18 or over you can get help from a government agency called NextStep. They offer information, advice and guidance over the phone, face-to-face, via webchat and through their website.

If you're under 18 then you can find loads of information on the DirectGov website. They have trained advisers that are available on the phone, using email, webchat and even via SMS. Also, many areas have a local Connexions service which you will be able to find by Googling "Connexions" and your town name