How to make the best option choices

Option choices are an important first step towards your future career. Before making your choices, watch our video and ask yourself our big 5 questions.  

animation of character holding a speaker

The big 5 questions

Our questions have been designed to help you make the option choices that are right for you.

1. How do I like to learn? 

It’s a good idea to take some time to think about how you like to learn. If you like learning by listening and speaking, you might want to learn languages. If you enjoy finding out how things work, an Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship might be right for you.

2. Where could my subjects take me? 

Your option choices can affect the jobs open to you in the future. You need to study certain subjects to apply for some courses or jobs after school. Our Option Choices tool will help you explore the kind of jobs your subject choices can lead to.

3. What subjects do I enjoy?  

If you love a subject, you will learn it much more easily. You’ll also be more likely to enjoy it and do well. 

4. Which subjects am I good at?   

Although it’s important you choose the subjects you are good at, you could try choosing a subject you’re unfamiliar with. It might just open up new possibilities for you. 

5. Should I get other people's advice? 

It might surprise you how much other people know about your strengths and skills. Get advice from family and friends. To get the best feedback, be open with them about your choices and what kind of jobs interest you. 

Need inspiration?

Check out these 5 cool jobs you might not have heard of and discover the subjects you could take to do them.

More tips and advice from Future Me magazine

We've created Future Me magazine to help you. It's free and packed with the information you'll need to make the best option choices.

 

Download your copy now

Barrachd molaidhean agus comhairle bhon iris An t-Am ri Teachd Agamsa

Tha sinn air iris An t-Am ri Teachd Agamsa a chruthachadh airson do chuideachadh​​​​​​​. Tha e an asgaidh agus làn fiosrachadh a dh’ fheumas tu airson na roghainnean as fheàrr a dhèanamh. 

Luchdaich sìos do leth-bhreac a-nis

Get careers adviser support

My World of Work is part of Skills Development Scotland – Scotland's career service.  Ask your teacher about arranging to see a careers adviser working within your school. They can help you with looking at what option choices might be best for you and help you with any career planning.

 

group of illustrated people thinking about different options

Get out of the classroom with a Foundation Apprenticeship

If you're going into S5 or S6, you can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as part of your option choices. 

You'll get to work with an employer and learn at college before you've even left school. You'll also earn a qualification that's the same level as a Higher.

Learn more about Foundation Apprenticeships
illustrated characters round a table thinking of options

Use our Option Choices tool

Our Option Choices tool can help you make the decision on what subjects to take by exploring your different options. 

Use the Option Choices tool