Do you usually think about your professional future and what it takes to be successful? Or, on the other hand, do you usually postpone reflection on these issues, because you think they are not worth your time and energy, considering the current uncertainty?

Do you tend to feel confident about what the future holds or, on the other hand, do you feel lost and/or anxious about the steps to take?

Confident or less confident, would it be good for you to have a map or a compass to guide your path and professional choices?

We live in an uncertain, volatile and constantly changing world. As such, it is normal for doubts and even some anxiety to arise when thinking about the future. However, it is important that it does not lead to a systematic postponement of this reflection, because the future and a career will never be offered, but rather built, based on the choices, attitudes and behaviour adopted.

We could think of the current job market as if it were a game of chess. Even though, like me, you may not be skilled at this game, you can certainly find a parallel. Both imply a continuous interpretation of the environment with a strategic vision - looking, analysing and acting (not just reacting); it requires adaptability and tolerance to uncertainty, but also confidence to play and the capacity for continuous learning, especially in the face of mistakes.

It appears, therefore, that self-knowledge, self-confidence, flexibility, lifelong learning, the ability to adapt to successive changes and transitions, critical thinking, and the ability to creatively solve problems are key components for a successful transition to the world of work.

One of the most common mistakes made by those looking to enter the labour market, is precisely lack of knowledge about themselves, lack of strategic positioning in the market and failing to instil confidence in the employer.

 

 

The answer to these and other questions is an important contribution to self-knowledge and self-confidence, key elements in personal career management and psychological well-being.

Only by knowing what moves you, what your strengths/weaknesses are, what your purpose is, what values guide you, will you be able to position yourself in the market and define a life project aligned with what really matters to you. That will indeed constitute a differentiating element in the labour market.

Additionally, if you trust that you have a particular skill, you will tend to act in a less reactive and more proactive posture, defining an action plan, taking steps towards an established goal, trusting that you have the resources to overcome obstacles that may come your way.

 

How to leverage a successful transition to the labour market?

As a Student Support Office, we cannot provide you with a compass or map, but we can certainly help you to develop some guidance tools in the construction of your career project, mapping it in a unique way. It was with this intention that we conducted the “Mapping your way” project, which aims to:

• Create spaces to promote your self-knowledge and the construction of your life project, based on the continuous development of skills;
• Reflect and explore possibilities in terms of career/work;
• Promote the development of employability tools and active job search;
• Assist in building your personal brand and value proposition for the labour market.

 

Don't miss the first initiative of the project, “Thinking about the future and career”, which takes place on 9 December between 2:15 pm and 6:30 pm, at the Aula Magna.

This event is for you if:

• you are in year 1 and struggle with vocational issues;
• you are in year 2 and you still have doubts, and/or want to know how to further enhance your academic path;
• you are in the process of transitioning to the labour market;
• or. regardless of the academic year you are attending, you dare to think about your future and your career, trying to develop a strategic vision for it.

 

Join us… and discover which skills are valued by the labour market and how you can market yourself professionally. Find out about the unique paths of professionals who have stood out in their careers.

Sign up for UP Events! (limited registrations)

Check the programme and meet our guests here https://www.medicina.ulisboa.pt/mapping-your-way

 

 Student Support Office
Carla Vale Lucas