7 Ways To Work Towards Your Chosen Career, Even If Your HSC Mark Wasn't What You Expected

If you have ambition, you will find a way to pursue your chosen career.

1. Study an area that you are passionate about.

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When it comes to building a career, the first step is to study something that you really enjoy — especially if you're not exactly sure what you want to do.

Doing a more general course or degree — such as in arts or science — may help you identify the areas that you enjoy most, and allow possible career paths to open up for you.

2. Consider a pathway into university.

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If you do know where you want to go but didn't get the marks you needed, there are options — studying the same curriculum in a supportive environment at The College at Western Sydney University will enable you to transfer into the second year of your desired degree at Western Sydney University, should you meet the minimum requirements.

For example, if you want to get into journalism but you didn't get the marks to get into a Communications degree straight off the bat, enrolling into a Diploma in Communication or in Arts will enable you to transfer into the degree at Western Sydney University after one year of full-time study.

3. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do.

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The people you spend the most time with will have an influence on you — which means that if you spend time with people doing what you want to do, some of their mentality, drive and intuition will rub off on you. Plus, if you see them succeeding in areas that you want to be in, it'll feel more achievable for you, too.

Another benefit of seeking out people who are on a similar career path to you — or are already working in that field — is that you'll also be exposed to new opportunities. I mean, you've got to be physically close to a big break if you want to catch one.

4. Make a list of the companies you'd like to work for, before researching the heck out of them.

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One of the biggest challenges of getting into the workforce is...well, not knowing what it is or what it looks like.

Our tip? Make a list of companies that you'd like to work for and research what they do and who works for them. With professional online networks like LinkedIn, it's easy to look up some of your favourite workplaces and find out the kind of roles their employees perform.

5. Go to industry meet-ups or networking events.

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Building your social and professional networks is a great way to learn more about your ideal industry, as well as make some awesome friends and mentors along the way. Join relevant groups on social media and keep an eye out on meet-up sites to see if there are any upcoming events that you can make it to.

6. Work on a passion project, which will enable you to build the technical skills that you need.

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Whether you're a creative person or a budding business owner, an awesome way to develop the technical skills you need is to work on a passion project. You could start a podcast or get deep into your art; work on a business plan or code your own app — whatever you're interested in pursuing, a passion project will help you learn on your feet very quickly.

7. Get a part-time job to build up your soft skills.

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While working in your dream industry is great, don't think that part-time jobs in hospitality or retail are a waste of time. As well as putting some cash money in your pocket, they'll teach you customer service and social skills that you'll need to excel in any job. And as you'll meet people from all walks of life, chances are you'll make some professional contacts who might be able to help you in the future.

The College at Western Sydney University can help guarantee you entry into your chosen uni degree so you can start building your career.

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