Navigating the path after high school can feel overwhelming. Are you unsure about your future career? You’re not alone. Many high school students are in the same boat, exploring their options and trying to figure out their next steps. Megan Lovely, a high school senior aiming to be a director, knew her path early on. But for those still searching, proactive career planning is key. Just like Megan, you can start building your future today.
Mark Danaher, a career counselor, emphasizes starting early: “Start exploring what you want to do when you’re a freshman. The high school years go very quickly.” Career planning isn’t about having all the answers now; it’s about equipping yourself with the right tools and strategies to make informed decisions about your future. This guide will provide you with essential Career Planning Tools For High School Students, helping you explore your interests, gain valuable experience, and prepare for a fulfilling career.
This article is your toolkit for career exploration. We’ll cover:
- Self-Assessment Tools: Discovering your interests, skills, and values.
- Experiential Learning Tools: Getting hands-on experience through internships, jobs, and activities.
- Educational Planning Tools: Charting your course for further education and training.
- Mindset Tools: Cultivating flexibility and pursuing your dreams.
- Resources for Further Exploration: Where to find more career planning support.
Let’s dive in and equip you with the career planning tools you need to succeed.
Self-Assessment Tools: Exploring Your Interests and Skills
Alt Text: High school students engaging in a chemistry experiment, illustrating hands-on learning and early career exploration in STEM fields.
High school is the perfect time to begin understanding yourself and your potential career paths. Steve Schneider, a school counselor, notes, “All your life you’ve been asked what you want to do when you grow up. In high school, you start to work towards making that happen.” It’s okay if you don’t have a definitive answer yet. Career paths often evolve, and exploring different avenues is a crucial part of the process. Instead of feeling pressured to choose one career now, focus on using self-assessment tools to understand your strengths and interests.
Understanding Yourself: Interests, Skills, and Values
The first step in career planning is introspection. What truly interests you? What are you naturally good at? What values are important to you in a work environment? These questions form the foundation of your career exploration. Julie Hartline, a school counseling consultant, highlights the importance of aligning your interests with your career: “The whole purpose of thinking about careers is so that when you go to the workforce, you wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work.”
Here are some self-assessment tools to help you:
- Interest Inventories: These questionnaires help identify your interests by asking about your preferences in activities, subjects, and hobbies. Online resources like My Next Move (http://www.mynextmove.org) offer free interest assessments that link your interests to potential careers.
- Skills Assessments: Think about what you excel at. Are you a problem-solver? A creative thinker? Do you have strong communication skills? Consider both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal skills). Reflect on subjects you enjoy and classes where you naturally perform well.
- Personality Tests: While not definitive, personality tests can offer insights into your work style, preferences, and ideal work environments. Some free online tests can give you a starting point for understanding your personality traits in a professional context.
- Reflection Exercises: Take time for self-reflection. Journal about your favorite subjects, activities you lose yourself in, and moments when you feel most accomplished. Consider what motivates you and what kind of impact you want to make in your career. Kate Sours, for example, realized her love for working with children and helping people through babysitting and volunteering, guiding her towards nursing.
By utilizing these self-assessment tools, you’ll gain valuable insights into your personal preferences and aptitudes, forming a solid base for career exploration.
Identifying Potential Career Paths: Connecting Interests to Occupations
Once you have a better understanding of your interests and skills, the next step is to explore careers that align with them. If you love sports, consider careers like gym teacher, recreational therapist, or coach. If math is your forte, accountant, budget analyst, or cost estimator might be a good fit. However, remember that career paths are rarely linear, and many occupations draw upon a diverse set of skills.
Here are tools to help you identify potential career paths:
- Career Exploration Websites: Websites like Career Outlook (/careeroutlook/home.htm) and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) (https://www.bls.gov/ooh) are invaluable resources. The OOH provides detailed information on hundreds of occupations, including job duties, education requirements, salary expectations, and job outlook.
- School Counselors and Teachers: Don’t underestimate the expertise of your school counselors and teachers. They can provide personalized guidance and connect your interests with suitable career options. Counselors often have access to career assessment tools and resources tailored for high school students.
- Local Employer Research: Consider the industries and employers in your local area. Are there growing sectors like healthcare or manufacturing? Understanding local job markets can open your eyes to opportunities you might not have considered. Steve Schneider in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, uses this approach to inform students about diverse career paths available locally.
- Networking and Informational Interviews: Talk to people in different professions. Ask parents, friends, and teachers for contacts in fields that interest you. Networking can lead to informational interviews, where you can learn firsthand about a profession from someone working in it.
Remember Kate Sours’ advice: “Keep an open mind… when you start exploring it, you might discover, ‘This is cool. I might want to do this.’” Use these career planning tools to broaden your horizons and uncover unexpected career possibilities.
Researching Occupations: Deep Dive into Career Details
Alt Text: A high school student and a librarian researching careers on a computer, highlighting the importance of research and utilizing available resources for career planning.
Identifying potential careers is just the beginning. Thorough research is crucial to understand the realities of different occupations. This involves going beyond surface-level descriptions and delving into the day-to-day tasks, work environment, required skills, and career progression.
Research tools to utilize:
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): The OOH is your go-to resource for in-depth career information. Explore detailed profiles for each occupation, covering aspects like:
- What They Do: Detailed description of typical job duties and responsibilities.
- Work Environment: Understanding the typical workplace setting and conditions.
- How to Become One: Education, training, and certification requirements.
- Pay: Median salary and earning potential.
- Job Outlook: Projected job growth or decline in the coming years.
- Similar Occupations: Explore related career paths you might also find interesting.
- Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing: These are powerful research tools for gaining firsthand insights.
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in careers that interest you. Ask for brief phone calls or virtual meetings to learn about their experiences, career paths, and advice for aspiring professionals. Career Outlook offers a helpful guide on informational interviewing (/careeroutlook/2010/summer/art03.pdf).
- Job Shadowing: If possible, arrange to shadow someone working in a profession you’re considering. This allows you to observe their daily routine, work environment, and the realities of the job. Kate Sours’ job shadowing experience with her physical therapist aunt provided invaluable insights.
- Career Days and Career Fairs: Attend career-focused events at your school or in your community. These events offer opportunities to meet professionals from various industries, attend presentations, and gather information about different career paths.
- Online Forums and Professional Associations: Explore online forums and communities related to specific professions. Professional associations often have websites with career resources, member directories, and even mentorship programs.
By using these research tools, you’ll move beyond general descriptions and gain a realistic understanding of what different careers entail, helping you make more informed decisions.
Experiential Learning Tools: Gaining Real-World Experience
Job shadowing and informational interviews offer a glimpse into the working world. But experiential learning tools take it a step further, providing hands-on experience that can solidify your career interests and develop essential skills. These experiences can range from internships and part-time jobs to volunteering and extracurricular activities.
Internships: Immersive Career Exploration
Internships are temporary, supervised work assignments designed to provide practical job training. They are an invaluable experiential learning tool for high school students. Elka Torpey’s article on internships in Career Outlook (/careeroutlook/2006/summer/art02.pdf) highlights their benefits.
Internship Tools and Strategies:
- School-Based Internship Programs: Check if your high school offers internship programs for credit. Megan Lovely’s internship with her drama teacher provided hands-on experience and solidified her career aspirations.
- Independent Internship Search: Even if your school doesn’t have a formal program, you can seek out internships independently. Research companies and organizations in your fields of interest and inquire about internship opportunities.
- Networking for Internships: Leverage your network – parents, teachers, family friends – to identify potential internship leads.
- Internship Resources: Websites and organizations dedicated to internships can help you find and apply for positions.
Internships offer a taste of a profession, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, develop professional skills, and build your resume.
Part-Time Jobs: Developing Transferable Skills
Part-time jobs, especially summer jobs, are another excellent experiential learning tool. Even if a job isn’t directly related to your dream career, it can teach valuable transferable skills, such as responsibility, teamwork, time management, and customer service. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/youth.nr0.htm) shows that young people work across diverse industries, gaining varied experiences.
Job Search Tools and Considerations:
- Online Job Boards: Utilize online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and local job sites to search for part-time positions.
- Networking for Jobs: Inform your network that you’re looking for part-time work. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful job search tool.
- School Career Centers: Check if your school has a career center or job board that lists part-time opportunities for students.
- Youth Employment Regulations: Be aware of youth employment laws and regulations regarding working hours and types of jobs, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules).
Michael Carter, a college counseling director, emphasizes the value of any work experience: “I think there’s no substitute for any type of work experience. Without experience, it’s hard for students to appreciate what type of career they’d like to have because it’s all hypothetical.” Part-time jobs provide practical experience and financial independence.
Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering: Exploring Interests and Building Skills
Alt Text: High school volunteers participating in a community cleanup, showcasing the value of extracurricular activities and volunteering in developing civic responsibility and teamwork skills.
Extracurricular activities and volunteering are valuable experiential learning tools that allow you to explore your interests, develop skills, and contribute to your community. Career Outlook‘s article on extracurricular activities (/careeroutlook/2008/winter/art02.pdf) highlights their benefits.
Activity and Volunteering Tools:
- School Clubs and Organizations: Join clubs and organizations aligned with your interests, such as science club, debate team, yearbook committee, or student government.
- Community Service Organizations: Volunteer with local nonprofits, religious institutions, or government agencies. Volunteering allows you to make a difference while gaining valuable experience.
- Skills-Based Volunteering: Seek out volunteer opportunities that allow you to utilize and develop specific skills related to your career interests.
- Student Organizations: Explore career-focused student organizations like SkillsUSA (http://skillsusa.org), DECA (http://www.deca.org), and Future Business Leaders of America (http://www.fbla-pbl.org).
These activities demonstrate your motivation, engagement, and commitment to future employers and postsecondary institutions. They also help you refine your interests and prepare for your chosen career path.
Educational Planning Tools: Charting Your Course for Further Education
While experience is crucial, most careers require further education or training after high school. Educational planning tools help you navigate the various pathways available, from vocational schools and apprenticeships to college degrees.
High School Course Planning: Building a Strong Foundation
Your high school coursework is the foundation for your future career. High school course planning tools help you strategically select courses that align with your career goals and prepare you for postsecondary education or training.
Course Planning Tools:
- School Counselors: Your school counselor is your primary resource for course planning. They can help you understand graduation requirements, college prerequisites, and career-related course options.
- Career Pathways Programs: Explore if your high school offers career pathway programs or academies focused on specific industries like healthcare, business, or technology. Kate Sours’ participation in a health and medical sciences academy is a great example.
- College Entrance Requirements: If college is your goal, research the admission requirements for colleges you’re interested in. Pay attention to recommended coursework in subjects like math, science, English, and foreign languages.
- Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment: Consider taking AP or dual enrollment courses to earn college credit while still in high school. These programs can give you a head start and potentially save on college tuition costs.
Laura Inscoe, a dean of counseling and student services, emphasizes the importance of academic performance: “Starting freshman year, do the absolute best you can in your classes. Start strong and stay strong.” Strategic course planning and strong academic performance open doors to future opportunities.
Post-High School Training Options: Diverse Pathways to Careers
After high school, numerous training options are available, each catering to different career paths. Post-high school training tools help you explore these options and determine the best fit for your goals.
Training Options and Tools:
- Vocational Schools and Trade Schools: These schools offer hands-on training in specific trades and technical fields, such as automotive mechanics, culinary arts, or cosmetology. Websites like CareerOneStop (https://www.careeronestop.org/) can help you find vocational schools in your area.
- Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to earn while you learn a skilled trade. The U.S. Department of Labor’s apprenticeship website (https://www.apprenticeship.gov/) provides information and resources.
- Certificates and Diplomas: Certificate and diploma programs offer focused training in specific occupations, often in less than two years. They can be a fast track to employment in fields like nursing assisting or medical assisting.
- Associate’s Degrees: Associate’s degrees, typically earned at community colleges, can prepare you for specific careers or serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Explore community colleges in your area and their program offerings.
- Bachelor’s Degrees: A bachelor’s degree is often required for many professional and managerial roles. College search websites like CollegeBoard (https://www.collegeboard.org/) and Peterson’s (https://www.petersons.com/) can help you research colleges and degree programs.
BLS data (/careeroutlook/2014/data-on-display/education-still-pays.htm) consistently shows that higher levels of education are associated with higher earnings and lower unemployment rates. Carefully consider your career goals and choose the educational path that best aligns with them.
College Major Selection: Aligning Education with Career Aspirations
For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, choosing a college major is a significant decision. College major selection tools can help you align your academic pursuits with your career aspirations.
Major Selection Tools:
- Interest and Skills Assessments (Revisited): Refer back to your self-assessment results to identify majors that align with your interests and skills.
- Career Research (Revisited): Research the typical educational requirements for careers you’re interested in. The OOH and other career resources often specify preferred majors.
- College Websites and Catalogs: Explore college websites and course catalogs to learn about different majors, curriculum, and faculty expertise.
- Informational Interviews (Revisited): Talk to professionals in fields that interest you and ask about their educational backgrounds and major choices.
- Salary and Job Outlook Data (Revisited): Consider salary expectations and job market trends for different majors, but remember that passion and interest should also be key factors in your decision. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) (http://www.naceweb.org/) provides salary data for college graduates.
Michael Carter advises, “Your initial undergraduate program should be an outgrowth of your academic strengths in high school.” Choose a major that genuinely interests you and provides a solid foundation for your career goals. Don’t be afraid to explore a broad liberal arts education to discover your passions before specializing.
Mindset Tools: Flexibility and Adaptability for Career Success
Career paths are rarely linear. Mindset tools are essential for navigating the twists and turns of career development, embracing change, and pursuing your dreams with resilience.
Embracing Flexibility and Change
Steve Schneider emphasizes the importance of flexibility: “There’s always the flexibility to shift course. A career is not a life sentence. If at some point you realize, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ back up and ask yourself the same questions again: ‘What am I good at? What do I like to do?’”
Flexibility Mindset Tools:
- Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. View setbacks as temporary and believe in your ability to develop new skills and adapt to change.
- Adaptability: Cultivate your ability to adjust to new situations, technologies, and job market demands. Lifelong learning and continuous skill development are crucial in today’s evolving world.
- Openness to New Opportunities: Be open to exploring unexpected career paths or industries. Sometimes the most fulfilling careers are those we discover along the way.
- Networking (Revisited): Maintain and expand your professional network throughout your career. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide support during career transitions.
Pursuing Your Dreams with Confidence
Mark Danaher encourages students to pursue their dreams: “Put a plan together and go for it, even if everyone else says you’re crazy, or you’ll never make it.”
Dream Pursuit Mindset Tools:
- Self-Belief: Believe in your abilities and potential to achieve your career goals. Overcome self-doubt and persevere through challenges.
- Goal Setting: Set clear, achievable career goals, both short-term and long-term. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Resilience: Develop resilience to bounce back from setbacks and rejections. Career paths often involve obstacles, and resilience is key to long-term success.
- Passion and Purpose: Strive to find a career that aligns with your passions and provides a sense of purpose. Loving what you do is a significant factor in career satisfaction and fulfillment.
Gap Year Considerations: Time for Exploration and Growth
A gap year after high school can be a valuable mindset tool for self-discovery and career exploration. Career Outlook offers insights on gap years (/careeroutlook/2009/fall/art04.pdf).
Gap Year Tools and Strategies:
- Structured Gap Year Programs: Explore structured gap year programs that offer volunteering, travel, internships, or skill-building experiences.
- Purposeful Planning: Develop a clear plan for your gap year, outlining your goals and activities. Ensure your time off is productive and contributes to your personal and career growth.
- Experiential Learning (During Gap Year): Utilize your gap year for internships, volunteering, or work experiences in fields that interest you.
- Reflection and Self-Assessment (During Gap Year): Use your gap year to reflect on your interests, skills, and values, and to further explore career options.
A well-planned gap year can provide clarity, direction, and valuable experiences before embarking on further education or career entry.
Resources for Further Exploration
To continue your career planning journey, utilize these valuable resources:
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): https://www.bls.gov/ooh – Comprehensive career information.
- My Next Move: http://www.mynextmove.org – Interest assessments and career exploration tools.
- Career One Stop: https://www.careeronestop.org/GetMyFuture/ – Job search, training, and career resources.
- BLS K-12 Site: https://www.bls.gov/k12/ – Career exploration for students.
- YouthRules!: http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/ – Youth employment regulations.
- StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college – College preparation and financial aid information.
- Your School Counselor: Your school counselor is your personalized guide for career planning and educational guidance.
Put Forth Your Best You: Professionalism from High School Onward
Even in high school, you can start developing professional habits that will serve you well in your future career. Mark Danaher advises students to:
- Be Punctual and Responsible: Develop good habits of punctuality and responsibility in your schoolwork and commitments.
- Communicate Professionally: Practice professional communication skills, such as writing emails to teachers or potential contacts.
- Mind Your Demeanor: Be aware of your behavior and presentation in school and in online settings. Julie Hartline advises, “Mind your demeanor.”
- Social Media Awareness: Be mindful of your online presence on social media. Michael Carter cautions, “Make sure that what you put out there for the world to see is how you want to be seen. Social media is a great tool, but you have to use it responsibly.”
Developing these professional habits early on demonstrates maturity and readiness for future career opportunities.
Conclusion
Career planning for high school students is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, exploration, and preparation. By utilizing these career planning tools for high school students – from self-assessments and experiential learning to educational planning and mindset development – you can proactively shape your future. Start early, stay curious, and embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Your career journey begins now!
