Lifelong Careers Support

What Career Will Suit Me?

Explore Your Options and Build Strong Foundations

Starting Out

How Do I Decide My Next Move?

Take Your Career To The Next Level

Career Progression

How Do I Grow My Workforce?

Attract and Retain Talent in my Team

Employers

How Can I Find My Dream Job?

Find a Career That Suits You

Job Seekers

Career Guidance = Lifelong Support

What matters to you? What do you want to do in your career journey? 

These are the questions careers professionals help you answer...

  • Enjoy Useful Insights: into education and work opportunities as careers professionals keep you informed about the latest trends that can shape your career trajectory.
  • Benefit from Access: to the connections careers professionals can provide you, which includes opportunities that you might not find on your own.
  • Protected by Strict Ethical Guidelines: professional careers guidance is underpinned by a strong code of ethics ensuring that you receive support that is both responsible and effective.
  • Insights and Understanding: Get the latest insights on education and work trends.
  • Unlock Opportunities: Access connections and chances you might miss on your own.
  • Trust the Guidance: Supported by strict ethical standards for responsible advice.

Every decision counts. 

Getting advice and support from a career development expert can be your game-changer.

Whether you're embarking on your first job or contemplating a significant career shift, expert guidance can illuminate your path and help you seize the right opportunities.


Why Do I Need Professional Career Guidance?

Today's working and training landscape is more complex than ever, and career development professionals are trained to use their expertise, knowledge and experience to help you understand yourself and the career pathway that will suit you best. 

A professional career development practitioner offers:  

  • Proven skills and expert up-to-date know-how on education and work opportunities and trends  

  • Access to a wider career development network 

  • Professional approach underpinned by a strong code of ethics  

Career development support is called many different things - career coaching, career guidance, career advising and career counselling - but like many things in life it's more complicated than it appears and a professional careers adviser can support you in a structured and strategic way. 

How a career development professional can help you

A conversation with a qualified Career Development Professional gives you the opportunity for a confidential, unbiased discussion focused on you. Working with a career development professional helps you gain career development skills which you can use throughout your life, regardless of any changes in society, technology and the economy. You'll develop skills that help you explore and make decisions that are right for you: 

You get to explore:

  • what you want your life to be and the role that work can play in a happy life;
  • how your personal qualities, values and beliefs can align with the type of work you would like to do; 
  • your levels of motivation, curiosity, confidence and resilience in taking the next step and how to increase these if necessary; 
  • your current interests, skills, knowledge and experiences and how these can be developed to meet the demands of work roles; 
  • the labour market opportunities available both now and in the future;
  • how to find and evaluate information and support for your career development;
  • the learning and training needed for work roles and which you would prefer; 
  • your current situation, any challenges you may have and how to overcome these.

You get to decide: 

  • on a course of action which is justifiable and realistic and for which you have the motivation and confidence to take the next steps;
  • who you could connect with to help make your plans a reality and create opportunities.

Where to get careers guidance

In education

Schools, colleges and university careers teams provide support to students - and many universities continue that support after graduation.

Public careers services 

Each UK nation has a public careers service that can provide support to those outside education. You can find further information for each service here:

From a private career development professional

There are many career development professionals across the UK and internationally who work with clients from all walks of life. When looking for someone to help with your career, it is important to ensure they have an accredited qualification in career development, with an in-depth understanding of theory and practice supported by research and practical experience.

The UK Register of Career Development Professionals lists specialists who are qualified to at least graduate level in career development, undertake continuous professional development and abide by the CDI's Code of Ethics - which ensures their practise is client-centred. Many of these professionals offer careers guidance support to individuals and you can use the Register to find professionals who support people at your stage of your education or career. Many also specialise in working with people with specific characteristics or from certain communities and backgrounds.

They can inspire you by;

  • enabling you to consider your circumstances, values and aspirations; 
  • confront any challenges; 
  • strengthen motivation; 
  • build resilience, confidence and curiosity; 
  • develop new perspectives; 
  • learn about relevant careers, jobs and the labour market; 
  • justify your thinking and be happy with the plan that you make to achieve your career goal.

Find qualified career development professionals to support you: UK Register of Career Development Professionals

Employers and the voluntary sector

Some employers provide careers coaching and support for staff so ask your HR department what support may be available. Also, there are many charities and voluntary organisations who provide careers support to target groups. You can find these online.

How Do I Find Professional Careers Advice?

At the CDI, we recommend that you look for careers guidance from professionals with plenty of experience, training and a commitment to ethical practice and continuous development. 

The good news is that we've rounded them all up for you on our professional register - so you can find a careers expert who suits you today. 

Need Help With Anything?

Need Help With Anything?

Please get in touch with us via this form and we'll get back to you asap to advise you on any query. 

01384 376464