Overview:
Are you feeling lost about your career? You’re not alone! Many people struggle to figure out what they want to do—but AI can be a great thinking partner in this process. While AI can’t (and shouldn’t) tell you exactly what to do, it can help you reflect on your experiences, skills, and interests and open up career paths you may not have considered.
By describing your academic, work, and personal experiences—along with what makes you happy and fulfilled—AI can:
- Recognise your unique skills and strengths.
- Uncover career paths that align with your interests.
- Get inspired by new possibilities you may not have considered.
“Sometimes, we overlook our own potential. AI can shine a light on your strengths and guide you towards the right opportunities.”
What information could you provide?
Skills and Strengths
- What are you naturally good at? (Communication, problem solving, teamwork)
- Do you have any technical skills (coding, writing, graphic design)
- Have you developed skills through other means (hobbies, work, volunteering)
Interests and Values
- What topics, industries or activities excite you? (Tech, Politics, Ai, creative work)
- What kind of work do you enjoy? (hands-on, analytical, people-focused)
- Do you value flexibility, stability, creativity, or leadership opportunities?
Your work and academic background
- What subjects have you studied?
- What work experience do you have?
- Have you done any side projects or freelance work?
Example prompt
“I’m feeling unsure about my career path and need help exploring options.
I’m good at explaining things to people, problem-solving, and creative thinking. I’ve also developed strong organisational skills from managing deadlines at university and working in retail.
I enjoy working with people and feel happy when helping others. I also like coming up with creative writing concepts and developing them into short stories. I want a job that offers variety and doesn’t feel too repetitive.
I studied psychology at university so feel like I have a good understanding of people but don’t necessarily want to work as a psychologist. My work experience includes customer service and tutoring, which I enjoyed because of the interaction with people.
Based on this, what career paths might suit me?”
How to Ask Follow-Up Questions Effectively
Once AI suggests career options, don’t just accept the first response—treat it like a conversation. AI works best when you refine its answers by asking smarter follow-up questions.
The Three-Step Follow-Up Formula
Clarify – Ask for more detail about a suggestion.
- “Can you explain what a UX Designer does in simple terms?”
- “What industries hire for this role?”
Personalise – Relate the suggestion to your own skills, interests, or goals.
- “Would a UX Designer role be a good fit for someone who enjoys creative problem-solving and working with people?”
- “What specific skills do I already have that relate to this role, and what would I need to improve on?”
Explore Next Steps – Find out how to move forward.
- “What are some easy ways to gain experience in UX Design without formal qualifications?”
- “What’s a good first step if I want to transition into this field?”
Now Try It for Yourself!
You’ve learned how AI can help you explore career options—now it’s your turn!
Task: Use AI to explore career paths that might suit you.
Steps to Follow:
- Open Microsoft Copilot.
- Use the information above to describe your skills, interests, and experiences.
- Review the career suggestions AI gives you.
- Pick a career path that interest you the most.
What follow up questions could you ask to:
- Learn more about the industry.
- Learn what skills you already have for this role.
- What skills you would need to develop.
- How to develop these skills
Additional Resources:
- Don’t know how to access CoPilot? Here is a link to some instructions: [INSERT LINK]
- Are you still confused even after talking to CoPilot? You can always talk to a real person too! [INSERT LINK TO CAREERS APPTS]
- Activity: Structured prompts to produce Career Advice?[KB1]
- Find another resource about refining prompts/ follow up questions
[KB1]I have created a CES careers activity guide that would support this part of the SSP very well. Guide provides a detailed overview and customisable prompts – CES guide – Using AI for your career https://mmu.careercentre.me/Resources/CustomPage/29502