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.
