Choosing a course or career: A guide for young people.

So how do you know what you are good at and which course or job is right for you? It begins with understanding who you are.

A hospital wouldn’t function well in a toilet block and a café wouldn’t have many customers if it was in a pigsty. As Rick Warren said, “Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.”

In the same way, some animals were designed to swim and some to hop. Your own mix of abilities, interests, talents, personality and life experiences can all help you understand the environments and opportunities that may suit you. There may be jobs and careers that are a particularly good fit for your strengths, interests and what matters to you.

Some people have it sorted and know what they want to do from an early age. I, annoyingly for some, was one of those people. At the age of 13 years, I decided I wanted to work in radio and with focus and tenacity, I made it happen.

Yet others aren't sure who they are or what they want to do, whether they are 13, 16, 21 or 41 years old. They may find themselves falling into jobs that don't feel particularly fulfilling.

In my job, I have the privilege of working with people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. Some feel confident that their career suits them, while others realise over time that the path they chose isn't the right fit. Changing direction may mean investing additional time, money and energy in exploring or training for something different.

Working with a youth coach can give you space to explore who you are, what matters to you and the options you might want to pursue, before putting a plan in place for your next steps.