Career vs Job, which should you choose first? Make an informed decision with our tips. Here you can find the key differences between the two. But that’s not all. Get up to speed on how to turn a job into a career. Are you ready to unpack our tips?
What is a Career?
Did you know that a career is a compilation of jobs you’ve had? These jobs connect you to things you are interested in and are passionate about. Your career is also built up on your experience, skills and knowledge.
What is a job?
We all know that a job is something you do to earn money. Jobs can be short-term or even long-term. In order to land a job, you will need to meet certain requirements. This includes skills, knowledge and experience.
Key Differences Between a Career and a Job
Still struggling to see the differences between a career and a job? No problem, our visual representation can help. The table below clearly shows in which areas the two differ.
Career | Job | |
Definition | Built up of jobs throughout your work life | An activity or task done to make a living |
Purpose | Done to pursue passions | Done in exchange for money |
Requirements | Training in specific field required | Specific skills and knowledge required |
Duration | Longer-term | Short-term |
Can a job Affect Your Career?
Yes it can. You can hold a variety of jobs throughout your lifetime. Each of which teaches you different skills. If a job does not fall in line with your passion, it doesn’t benefit your career as a whole. One you are legally allowed to work, it is important to start with jobs in line with your career prospects. You can do this without experience by volunteering and even applying for internships.
How to Turn a Job Into a Career
Do you find yourself working an unexpected job but end up enjoying it? Why not turn it into a career? There are a number of ways to build up your career, even with an unexpected job. Here are five ways to turn your job into a career.
Get Qualified
You may be good at what you do,but if you want to progress in it, you will have to get qualified. Taking time off from work to study might not be possible. But that’s where distance learning comes in. With this method of studying you won’t need to take time off. But that’s not all. Distance learning offers a variety of courses that you can study with or without a matric certificate.
Build a Network
Ever heard the saying “it’s not what you know but who you know”? Well it’s partially true. Networking can help you grow within your job which can turn it into a career. Sign up to chat rooms or even attend events where you can meet people working in your industry. The more contacts you have the better your chances of growing.
Apply for Internships
Need to get your foot in the door without studying or experience? Try an internship. These are a great starting point for any career. You gain on the job experience, skills and knowledge. Now internships may be unpaid but if you impress your employer enough it might lead to a paying position. But even if you don’t get offered a position, impressed employers write the best recommendation letter which can help you land a job in your career.
Get a Mentor
Remember when Justin Bieber first came out? He was always seen with Usher, his mentor. A mentor comes with years of experience and can teach you the right and wrong things to do. You can’t go wrong with a mentor on your team.
Set Goals
Don’t get stuck working the same job for the rest of your life. Setting goals helps you keep track of where you are and where you want to be. Having a visual reminder of where you see yourself can help keep you motivated. It reminds you of what steps you need to take to build your career.
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Take the Steps to Building Your Career
Take the first step to building your career and enrol in one of our courses. Don’t worry, we are an accredited institution so your education is in safe hands. Contact one of our course experts and get started:
- Contact us for free on 0800 39 0027
- Fill in our online contact form
