Start here, for your stage: free online career discovery sessions from inyourroots®
Free, low-pressure online career discovery sessions shaped for ages 14–16, 16–18 and 19–25. Each session helps young people identify strengths, understand routes and leave with a realistic next step.
Written by: Frankie Brookton, Founder, inyourroots®
If none of the usual options feel like you, you are not behind. You may simply need a calmer place to start.
inyourroots® runs free online career discovery sessions for young people who feel stuck, overwhelmed or overlooked by the usual CV- and grades-first approach.
The sessions are strengths-first, practical and low pressure. Camera off is fine. Chat-only is fine. Listening is fine.
One approach, shaped for different stages
Every session uses the same simple method:
- 1.Spot your strengths in real life—not just on paper.
- 2.See what is actually out there without pressure to choose a job title immediately.
- 3.Leave with one realistic next step you can take this week.
What changes is the life stage we design around. Being unsure after GCSEs feels different from choosing between routes at 16–18, and different again from needing a reset at 19–25.
You will get the same calm structure, with examples and guidance that fit where you are now.
What you will leave with
- A clearer sense of what you are good at and where those strengths could lead.
- A wider view of jobs and industries, including roles you may not know exist.
- Education and employment routes explained in plain English.
- A simple plan for what to do next.
What the session is like
- You do not need to switch your camera on.
- You do not need to speak.
- You can join, listen and take what is useful to you.
- Please do not share personal or sensitive details in the chat.
Parents and carers are welcome at the 14–16 and 16–18 sessions. The 19–25 session is youth-only.
Choose your starting point
Ages 14–16: Not sure what to do after GCSEs?
This session is for you if you are approaching or finishing your GCSEs and feel unsure, behind or overwhelmed about what comes next.
You will leave with: a clearer sense of what you are good at and which routes could keep your options open.
We will cover:
- what strengths look like in everyday life;
- sixth form, college, apprenticeships, T Levels, training and work;
- how to explore without forcing yourself to make a forever decision; and
- one calm next step you can take.
Reserve a free 14–16 place on Eventbrite
Ages 16–18: Not sure what comes next?
This session is for you if you are choosing between sixth form, college, FE, resits, apprenticeships, work—or simply thinking, “I have no idea.”
You will leave with: a clearer view of your routes and a next step that feels realistic.
We will cover:
- how to recognise your strengths day to day;
- university, apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, college, work and training;
- real examples from industries in Essex and Suffolk; and
- how to compare routes without guessing.
Reserve a free 16–18 place on Eventbrite
Ages 19–25: Need a fresh start?
This youth-only session is for you if you feel stuck, burnt out, overwhelmed or ready for a reset.
You will leave with: a fresh starting point, practical future skills and a way to begin proving what you can do.
We will cover:
- strengths-first discovery without judgement;
- local pathways and jobs you may not have considered;
- future skills in practical, everyday language; and
- how to create small examples of your skills, even without much formal experience.
Reserve a free 19–25 place on Eventbrite
University, apprenticeship or something else?
There is no single “right” route. Your options may include:
- university;
- a degree apprenticeship;
- an apprenticeship;
- college or a T Level;
- going straight into work;
- training and professional qualifications;
- entrepreneurship; or
- a gap year with a plan.
A more useful way to think about it is:
Career direction first, then routes.
Start by understanding what might fit you. Then compare the routes that could take you there—instead of choosing a route and hoping it leads somewhere useful.
Worried about money, AI or choosing incorrectly?
Money matters
You are not shallow for caring about salary, stability or whether a route will be worth the cost. Career fit can include enjoyment, strengths, lifestyle, opportunity, security, money and values.
AI is changing work
Nobody can promise a perfect list of jobs that AI will never affect. We focus instead on adaptable human skills and learning how to work with technology—not fear it.
You are choosing a next step, not your whole life
Most people do not make one career choice and follow it forever. You are choosing a direction, and you can adjust as you learn more.
What happens afterwards?
At the end of each session, we will explain how to continue your inyourroots® career discovery journey with Budi at your own pace.
If you are a parent, carer, educator or youth worker and are unsure which session to share, message us through Eventbrite and we will help you choose.
Browse all upcoming inyourroots® events
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I have no idea what career I want?
Start with a smaller question. Look at what you are good at in real life, what matters to you and which kinds of work feel possible. Then explore options from there. You do not need a dream job before you begin.
What should I do after GCSEs if I am unsure?
Choose a route that keeps useful options open while you learn more about yourself. Compare sixth form, college, T Levels, apprenticeships, training and work based on how you learn and where each route can lead.
How do I know what I am good at?
Look for patterns. What do people thank you for? What do you do without being asked? Which tasks drain you less? What do you keep returning to? Strengths show up in real life, not just in qualifications.
Is university or an apprenticeship better?
Neither is better for everyone. It depends on how you learn, the career you are exploring, the entry requirements, money, time and the type of day-to-day experience you want.
What if I choose the wrong career?
Most people change direction as they gain experience. A useful first step is not a lifetime contract—it is a way to learn more and make the next decision with better information.
Which jobs will not be replaced by AI?
No one can offer a guaranteed list. A safer approach is to build adaptable skills such as communication, judgement, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork, while learning to use technology responsibly.
Ready for a calmer starting point?
Choose the session that fits your stage, reserve a free place and come exactly as you are. Camera off, chat-only or listening quietly are all welcome.