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Writer's pictureYules Chan

Career Guidance 101: "Yes" or "No" To Post-Secondary Education

What Path Should You take?


In this blog, I will be focusing on providing advice and tips in how you can determine what path you should take towards your work-life goals. Hopefully, as an outcome, you will be able to make a sound decision for your career future.


self-guided studying

Easy post-secondary traps to Avoid


Before you jump into it, assess your career goals by researching whether your career interest requires a degree. Higher education is only justified if there is a return investment.


Understand that obtaining a degree won't guarantee:


  1. Increased chances in finding suitable employment

  2. Does not equate to job security or a high-paying salary


Pressures from external influences


No matter where you are, understand that you will always get the opinions of family members, teachers, mentors, friends or peers. It's going to be very important to weigh the opinions of others and make plans in how to achieve your career goals.


The famous quote suggests that, "an opinion is like a butt-hole, everyone has one." – nobody really knows

There is no universally "right" or "wrong" way


Regardless of the peer pressure you may receive from others, it largely depends on your own goals, circumstances, and personal preferences.


Remember that work-life goals are almost never linear and full of endless discoveries. Learning to adapt in a world of changeability can help you through building a growth-mindset.


Ask yourself, "Am I going to succeed in this sort of environment?"


Do you strive better in structure or self-guided learning? Furthermore, reflect on how much you enjoyed an academic setting in the past. What is the cost, risks, and sacrifices involved?


Create an action plan


Avoid the common pitfalls of pursing a degree purely based on external pressure (like family expectations or job trends) or a lack of financial planning. Statistically, over 40% of graduates aren't using their degree at all. You can beat the statistics by determining what your short and long-term career goals are.


When Should You Seek Professional Career Guidance in Pursing Education?


  1. If you are unsure what career to pursue

  2. if you are considering a career switch and unsure where to start

  3. If you feel stuck in your current role

  4. If you are seeking step-by-step short or long-term career planning guidance


Find out more through holistic career coaching


Seeking career guidance goes beyond gaining education path clarity. It also helps you equip strategies in how to conquer some of the most challenging work-life moments.


Professional career practitioners should be active, certified, and trained to help you in discovering your career potential. To assist in exploring your career options based on your interests and abilities, and offer invaluable strategies that can allow you to foster success.


Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC registered career development professional in Calgary who is motivated in providing holistic excellence by finding your hidden genius through the world of employment.


For more information go to Brilliant Person Career Coaching or call +1 (403) 891-2673 for a 15-minute complimentary consultation. We provide both in-person and online services.


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