Secure your future in college and sixth form

Try spending a few minutes a week:

• Reading news about your subject
• Following organisations and employers on social media
• Listening to podcasts or watching videos related to your course
• Discussing new developments with classmates

It will teach you how to find information independently and show that you have a real interest in what you are studying.

Not only will you develop your existing skills you’ll also gain new ones as you go through college or sixth form.

Keep a record of:

• New skills you've learned
• Projects you've completed
• Achievements and awards
• Work experience and volunteering

Updating your CV regularly makes it easier to apply for jobs, apprenticeships and university courses.

Take a look at our guide to build a CV and be aware of your skills and strengths.

View Making the most of Sixth Form and College on the Open University website to hear  students discuss the skills they learned to prepare them for University.

You’ll be busy with your studies (and social life) but getting work experience will help you prepare for the future and will look good on your CV or university application. You could find part-time work or volunteer. 

Working will give you:

• An opportunity to start earning and managing money
• The key skills employers look for such as teamwork, time-keeping, communication
• Independence
• Confidence

Check out Getting a Job for help with CVs, application forms, interviews and more.

Volunteering will help you:

• Develop your communication skills
• Test your abilities to work in different environments with people you don't know
• Grow your confidence
• Make new friends and contacts and be a part of your local community

Find out more about the benefits of volunteering.

Working and volunteering both offer opportunities to build professional networks, which can be valuable for your future career.

Use apps to help with your learning:

• Study apps can help you create task lists, keep study logs, set pop-up revision reminders and practise exam questions
• Apps specifically for students that give you discounts and deals

Using digital tools not only supports your study, but can also help develop your digital skills.

Digital competence is a skill employers often look for. Examples include:

• Using AI responsibly
• Online collaboration tools
• Digital portfolios
• Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Get involved and try new things. You should:

• Make friends and try new experiences
• Join clubs, societies, or activities
• Develop new skills and gain experience
• Take part in organising events or projects

All of these can demonstrate your commitment, initiative and willingness to learn to employers and universities. It will also help you build examples for your CV and applications.

Research your career ideas. Think about what you enjoy most about your subjects and what jobs might suit you. You should:

• Try the Career Match Quiz to find job ideas that match your skills and interests
• Take the Buzz Quiz to find out your personality type and what jobs might suit you
• Search Job Information for information on hundreds of different job titles

Speak to a Careers Adviser about your ideas and options. Contact us or Book an appointment directly with a Careers Adviser.

While going to college or sixth form can be exciting and a new challenge, for some it can cause worry and anxiety. Remember, there are people who can support you, so ask for help when you need it.

You can get help from:

• Course concerns - Tutor, Teacher or Student Services
• Mental health and wellbeing - Student Services or Pastoral Team
• Career planning - Careers Adviser
• Personal worries - Meic and Samaritans

Contact us on the phone, on email, or live chat to discuss your career ideas and options