Choose 3 careers you're interested in (or your teacher has assigned) and research each one. Fill in every row of the comparison table. Use nationalcareers.service.gov.uk and prospects.ac.uk for accurate data.

Comparison Factor
Career 1:
Career 2:
Career 3:
Route into this career
Qualifications needed
How long to qualify
Starting salary
5-year salary
Typical day (3 tasks)
Key skills needed
Work-life balance
UK job demand (low/med/high)
Growth outlook (2030)
Decision Matrix — Which Career Suits Me Best?

Rate each career out of 5 for each factor (5 = best fit for you personally). Add up the scores. Which career scores highest overall?

Career 1

Salary potential (1–5):

Matches my strengths (1–5):

Work-life balance (1–5):

Job security (1–5):

Total: / 20

Career 2

Salary potential (1–5):

Matches my strengths (1–5):

Work-life balance (1–5):

Job security (1–5):

Total: / 20

Career 3

Salary potential (1–5):

Matches my strengths (1–5):

Work-life balance (1–5):

Job security (1–5):

Total: / 20

Based on your research and decision matrix, which career interests you most right now? What is your next step to explore it further?