My dream job

Despite having written a blog for years, I had never really thought about formalising my own tips and tricks for working with clients. I am sure that there are thousands of us out there who are probably equally oblivious to the opportunity of sharing our ideas. So I decided that now is the time. 

The "My Dream Job" idea can be used either as an exercise to be completed prior to a client's career practice meeting, or be set as a small class assignment. This is useful for exploring really big career ideas or goals, then helping the client - or student - to see what career mapping may need to take place in order for them to obtain such a role or meet a goal. It can serve as a reality check, or as a "why not me?" boost.

The client steps:

• Before the next career development meeting, get the client to agree to find a job advertisement that they REALLY want to do, anywhere in the world, on any online platform or offline media source. 
• In the next meeting, encourage the client do a show and tell why the job is so appealing. 
• Ask questions such as: What is so appealing? What skills does this require? What qualifications are needed? Do you know people who work this way? How else could people get into this area? How could you find out? 

The student steps:

• Set a due date for students to find a job advertisement that they REALLY want to do, anywhere in the world, on any online platform or offline media source. 
• Have the student provide a copy of the ad and write 300 words on why this job is so appealing, including how they plan to upskill so they can successfully apply for the job.
• Grade out of 5 marks, using 2 marks for a brief dream job summary showing alignment with personal goals;  2 marks for a clear plan to obtain the job with a realistic timeline, and 1 mark for professionalism (i.e. providing the ad; being concise, complete, and under 300 words; academic writing; and APA referencing). 

I hope someone finds this an interesting qualitative exercise!

Sam