While January often brings renewal and hope, it can also usher in the January blues for students navigating uncertainty and careers professionals working to support them.
Here are five top tips to help you and your students protect wellbeing, ensuring career planning remains a positive and empowering experience.
1. Bitesize steps
Big career aspirations and planning can feel overwhelming. Encourage students to break their goals into smaller, achievable tasks and remind them they don’t have to figure everything out in one sitting. This approach makes progress tangible and reduces stress. Careers professionals can use the same strategy to manage their workload, tackling tasks one step at a time.
2. Reframe setbacks as opportunities
University or job rejections, or uncertainty about career paths, can knock confidence. Reassure students that setbacks are normal and not a reflection of their worth. Help them reframe these moments as opportunities to learn and grow. This resilient mindset benefits careers professionals too – seeing challenges as part of the process helps maintain perspective and emotional balance.
3. Build time for self-care
Both students and careers professionals can feel pressured to be 'always on'. Setting aside time for self-care is essential. Encourage students to maintain hobbies, exercise, and take breaks to recharge. Lead by example, establishing boundaries and engaging in activities which boost your wellbeing.
4. Find your tribe
Isolation can intensify stress during career planning. Encourage students to keep talking with friends, school staff, and family who can provide emotional support. Careers professionals should also cultivate their own support networks, sharing best practices and challenges with colleagues to create a sense of community and shared understanding.
5. Practice compassionate communication
Open, empathetic communication is key to protecting wellbeing. Create a safe space for students to express their anxieties and uncertainties without fear of judgment. Listening actively and validating their concerns fosters trust and allows for tailored guidance. Extend this compassion to yourself and recognise that you can’t solve every problem and supporting others is an ongoing learning process.
Read the latest guidance on mental health and wellbeing for your students navigating applications.