Best Careers Advice Ever? #SpeakUp4Youth

Best careers advice ever? #SpeakUp4Youth

This was one of the main questions debated at last week’s #SpeakUp4Youth hashtag hour…

What is #SpeakUp4Youth? It’s a Twitter hashtag hour that takes place every TUESDAY 8-9pm, that aims to provide a space to debate issues affecting young people, as well as discuss good practice in researching this age group.

Participants are from a wide background, including:

-young people themselves;

-youth organisations;

-individual specialist youth workers;

-campaigners; and

-others who are simply interested in joining in the discussion.

People were keen to point out the most effective guidance they had received. And it’s not complicated.

It turns out:

• Networking really matters – It helps you to make new contacts and perhaps more importantly, builds up your confidence in dealing with new situations

• Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and just jump in! – You never know what opportunities will present themselves

• Keep searching – Not everyone knows you exist – harsh, but true

What’s the worst advice you’ve had?

• Vague statements don’t help – e.g.: ‘just believe in yourself’

• Specifying the type of education you SHOULD have – this leaves a false impression about what is important. University is not the only effective route into employment.

Don’t forget – you can get involved with #SpeakUp4Youth on Twitter every Tuesday 8-9pm GMT. There’s a different topic each week. You can also use this hashtag to talk about issues relating to youth at any other time during the week.