What is a career?

What is a career- Header Banner

You know that big, scary thing you’ve heard about called “a career”? Well, here’s the good news – it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. In fact, your career has already begun. A career isn’t just about the job (or jobs) you’ll have in the future. It’s the full story of your work and life experiences – everything you’ve learned, done, and contributed over time. It’s shaped by the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through:

  • Education
  • Training
  • Paid work
  • Unpaid work

But it doesn’t stop there. Your career also includes the roles you’ve played in your family and community, the activities you’ve taken part in, the volunteer work you’ve done, and the ways you’ve been involved in the world around you.

Every experience – big or small – helps build your career. Whether you’ve led a group project, helped out at a local event, cared for a family member, or learned something new in a course, it all counts. And as you continue to grow, explore, and take on new challenges, your career will keep evolving with you.

What are career decisions?

Career decisions are choices you make about your future learning, work, and pathways. They involve exploring your interests, discovering your skills, and shortlisting options so you can confidently choose your next steps. Careerify keeps it simple, breaking decisions into clear, practical steps to help you shape your future with confidence.

You’ve probably already made career decisions without even knowing it. So imagine what you can do when you really put your mind to it! Find out about the steps to take when making career decisions in our article here. It’ll give you loads more confidence and, hey, the more practise you get the easier it will get over time.

Career Decisions as a Teenager

These are the sorts of questions you’ll be asking yourself as a teenager.

Which subjects will I select for Year 10?
What work experience will I do?
Could I do a school-based apprenticeship?
What other activities will help me build skills?
Should I try out for a school sports team?
Do I enter the work force after Year 12?
Or do I take a gap Year?
Or maybe I do a two-year TAFE course?
How do I get a casual job?
Should I do some volunteer work?

Career Decisions as an Adult

These are the sort of questions you’ll be asking yourself as an adult.

Should I go for that new role or promotion at work?
Should I apply for a job with a new employer?
Do I switch to another job in a different industry?
What course should I do to learn new skills?
Do I need to update my resume to stay competitive?
Should I take a gap year or move interstate?
Which is the best organisation for me to volunteer with?
Do I find a second job to help pay off the mortgage?
Is now the right time to start my own business or side hustle?
Could I use my skills and coach the local sports team?

Expect to have an exciting and varied career

Chances are, your future won’t follow one straight path – and that’s totally normal. Young Australians are likely to work with many different employers over their lifetime, and you’ll make plenty of personal and professional choices along the way. Each decision – big or small – helps shape who you are and where you’re heading.

That’s why career decision‑making isn’t a “once and done” thing. It’s something you’ll return to as you grow, try new things, discover what you enjoy, and learn what matters most to you. And the great news? Every twist, turn, or change of direction gives you fresh skills, insights, and opportunities.

So back yourself, stay curious, and keep exploring – because your career journey is uniquely yours, and it’ll evolve with you every step of the way.