Follow your interests
While international schools often have career guidance counsellors, many local schools don't. But there are plenty of ways to find out about prospective careers and jobs. Cyrus Chan Kwan-ho, 21, qualified as a gym instructor in six months. Now, he helps youngsters at the Changing Young Lives Foundation stay fit and stretch their muscles.
'I always knew it was an area I was interested in,' he says. 'But I also talked to teachers, my parents' friends and others to find out what kind of jobs were out there. The first step is to think about what interests you, and what are your hobbies?'
The first piece of advice from the foundation's executive director, Marcia Aw, is that 'there is no such thing as fast money'. So, if you're entertaining ideas of becoming an investment banker, because working for Goldman Sachs would be prestigious, and you'd like a big house and car, bear in mind that such jobs have very long hours.
When you're looking for advice, write down what things interest you. Is it working outdoors or do you want to work in an office? Do you like writing, cooking or sports? What kind of personality do you have?
Your personality is key, Aw says. Monisa Wan Siu-man, vice-president of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, and Alison Chang, managing director of COREsearch, both agree.
'Do you like working by yourself, or do you like working in a team?' Aw asks. Once you have thought about the type of work you might be interested in, then look at the information on the internet.
'Do you have the personality for a big company or small company?' Chang asks. 'In big Fortune 500 companies, you have to understand that there are rules and regulations to follow, so you have to be obedient. In small companies, there are less clear guidelines and you will also have better exposure' to different aspects of the business.
'Don't try to force yourself to be someone you aren't,' Chang adds. 'You can only change to a certain extent. But you can't mould yourself into something you're not. You are only cheating yourself.'
Ask your parents if they are amenable to your ideas. But you do not have to follow what they say.
Talk to your parents' friends or older siblings if they already have a job. Do some networking. Find people who are already employed in the types of companies you want to work for.
'You can only find out through exploring and discovering, and trying your best,' Chang says.
