Life isn't a straight line - it's more like a game of snakes and ladders.

If you think of your career path as a road trip, there will always be bends and curves, unexpected detours and crossroads, and some great opportunities that you discover all on your own.

But like any journey, it helps to have a map before you start out on the road.

Exploring and mapping your career pathway is just like drawing up a customised map for your road trip. It's your blueprint for a successful journey from where you are now to achieving your dreams and ambitions.

There is no right or wrong way to achieve your career ambitions.

Remember - there is always more than one route from A to B.

First of all, you have to know the direction you're heading in - be honest with yourself about what you really want to do.

Discuss your dreams and ambitions with people who will give you support and good advice, like career counsellors or your favourite teacher.

It's also a good idea to talk with people who are already studying or working in the area that interests you. They can give you first hand advice and tell you their story of how they achieved their ambitions.

Looking for work experience in the area that interests you is also a good way of seeing if your ideas fit the reality of what your dream job is all about. It's also a really good way to meet people in the industry that interests you.

Look for autobiographies and profiles at your local library and the web - lots of interesting people have written about their life and their work so they can share their wisdom with people just like you, who are starting their journey and need inspiration.

The next step is working out how to get the skills you need to achieve your goals.

Are you re-entering the workforce after taking time off to raise your children or care for someone in your family?

Did you leave high school at Year 10, and you are thinking about giving the HSC a go at TAFE?

Do you know that you can complete Vocational Educational and Training (VET) qualifications while studying your HSC? You can also do school-based traineeships in these work areas.

Maybe you are already employed, but you want to re-train so you can change your direction.

Are you leaving school after completing your HSC, but you think that your grades aren't good enough to get into the course that you really want to do?

Were you forced to take time off pursuing your goals, and now you want to go back to university or TAFE, but you don't know how to get credit for the work and study you have already done?

Wherever you are starting from, just remember, it's your very own journey.

Your career pathway will be as unique as you are. It will reflect more than just your grades and work experience - your personality, life experiences, passions and beliefs will all be part of it, too.

Be creative and bold!

Share your dreams with the world!

Be proud of who you are and what you can do!

Be flexible and focussed, open-minded and brave!