How to choose my future profession

By Amy Baldwin et al. · OpenStax (CC BY)

A full OpenStax textbook (CC BY) used by thousands of students to succeed in higher education. The Briss offers the complete PDF for exam prep, civil service tests or returning to study. Topics include: getting organised, effective note-taking, reading dense material, managing stress and motivation, group work, using campus resources and preparing for exams without last-minute cramming. A reference work — 350+ pages — to read cover to cover or dip into by topic (time management, methodology, career planning).

By Laura Brewer · OIT / ILO

Qualifications matter, but employers also expect transferable skills: clear communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management and continuous learning. This ILO guide by Laura Brewer defines these core work skills, explains why they matter as much as technical credentials and offers ways to build them — in training, internships or self-directed practice. Illustrated case studies show how young people in Africa and beyond strengthened their employability with concrete examples, not abstract buzzwords.

By OIT / ILO

An ILO reference manual for employment counsellors, teachers, mentors and public employment service staff — also valuable for candidates who want to understand how support professionals think. It covers orientation interviews, active listening techniques, building a realistic search plan, follow-up over time and mobilising local resources (employers, NGOs, public programmes). Includes interview grids, constructive feedback scripts and ethical guidelines for supporting without deciding on the young person's behalf.