Thinking about your future career might seem far off when you’re in middle school, but it’s actually the perfect time to start exploring! Just like Megan Lovely, a high school student who knew she wanted to be a director, you can begin your career journey now. Even if you don’t have a dream job in mind yet, middle school is the ideal stage to discover what excites you and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling future.
Starting early in middle school gives you a fantastic head start. Mark Danaher, a career counselor, emphasizes that high school years fly by. By beginning your exploration in middle school, you gain valuable time to learn about yourself and the world of work.
Most careers require some form of preparation. This could mean choosing the right high school courses, or thinking about college or vocational training later on. Understanding what kind of career preparation you need begins with figuring out what careers might be a good fit for you.
This article is designed to guide middle school students in their initial career planning. We’ll explore how to discover your interests, the value of early experiences, educational paths to consider, and tips for pursuing your career dreams. Let’s dive in and make career planning an exciting adventure!
Explore Your Interests
Alt text: Two middle school students enthusiastically conduct a science experiment in a classroom, highlighting the importance of exploring interests in STEM fields early on.
Middle school is a fantastic time to start thinking about what you might want to do later in life. Steve Schneider, a school counselor, points out that you’ve likely been asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” for years. Now, in middle school, you can start turning that question into a real exploration!
It’s perfectly normal if you don’t have a specific career in mind right now. Many middle schoolers, and even adults, are still figuring things out. The world of work is constantly changing, and new jobs are always appearing.
Don’t worry about picking just one career right away. Instead, focus on discovering the types of careers that pique your interest. Mark Danaher advises that middle schoolers should learn how to explore careers, investigate their skills and interests, and dedicate time to this discovery process.
Learn About Yourself
Understanding what you enjoy and what you’re naturally good at is the first step in career exploration. School counselors suggest asking yourself: “What do I love to learn about?” Steve Schneider explains, “If you like science, what parts of science are fun for you? Is it doing experiments, reading about discoveries, or solving problems?”
Use these answers to identify careers that involve similar activities. For example, if you love playing video games and figuring out how they work, maybe you’d enjoy a career in computer programming or game design.
Julie Hartline, a school counseling consultant, emphasizes the importance of liking what you do. Work is a significant part of life, and thinking about careers now can help you find something you’ll look forward to each day.
Identify Possible Careers
Once you have a better understanding of your favorite subjects and activities, start looking for careers that use those interests. If you’re passionate about animals, perhaps you could explore careers like veterinarian, marine biologist, or zookeeper. If you love to write and tell stories, maybe journalism, authoring books, or screenwriting could be exciting paths.
It’s important to remember that many interests can lead to various careers. For example, someone who enjoys building things might consider careers in engineering, architecture, or even carpentry.
School counselors, teachers, and your parents can help you brainstorm careers that match your skills and interests. They might have resources or ideas you haven’t thought of yet. Online tools like My Next Move are also great for career exploration and can help you link your interests to different professions.
Consider the world around you. Think about local businesses and industries in your area. Are there hospitals, tech companies, or factories nearby? These places offer a wide range of jobs, from those requiring short training programs to those needing college degrees.
Kate Sours, who enjoyed working with kids and helping people, explored careers that combined these interests and discovered nursing. Keeping an open mind is key, as Kate learned. Sometimes, a job that might initially sound unappealing can become exciting once you learn more about it.
Do Your Research
After identifying some potential careers, the next step is to learn more about them. Websites like Career Outlook and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are excellent starting points for research. Career days at school and talking to people in different professions are also valuable ways to gather information.
Alt text: A middle school boy and a librarian collaborate on research using a computer in the library, illustrating the importance of research and utilizing resources for career exploration.
Talking to people who are actually working in careers that interest you can give you real insights. Ask your parents, friends, or teachers if they know anyone working in those fields. School counselors can also help connect you with professionals.
Once you find people to talk to, you can reach out by phone, email, or even online platforms. Consider asking for informational interviews to learn firsthand about their daily tasks, what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what steps they took to get there. You might even be able to shadow someone at work for a day to see what it’s really like.
Kate Sours shadowed her aunt, a physical therapist, at a hospital. This experience, along with attending a nursing camp, gave her valuable firsthand exposure to the healthcare field and solidified her interest in nursing. Real-world experience is incredibly helpful in determining if a career is the right fit for you.
Get Experience
Job shadowing is a great way to get a glimpse into a career, but imagine how much more you could learn by actually getting involved! Even in middle school, you can start gaining career-related experiences through volunteering, part-time jobs (if age-appropriate and permitted), and extracurricular activities.
Trying different things helps you discover what you enjoy and what you don’t. These experiences can also teach you important skills, like teamwork, responsibility, and communication.
Remember, school comes first. While gaining experience is valuable, it shouldn’t take away from your studies. Your main job in middle school is to learn and grow academically.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a fantastic way for middle school students to gain experience and explore interests. By offering your time to help others, you can learn new skills, meet new people, and contribute to your community.
Alt text: Middle school volunteers work together to pick up trash in a park, demonstrating community service as a valuable experience for exploring interests and developing teamwork.
Think about causes you care about. Do you love animals? Volunteer at an animal shelter. Are you passionate about the environment? Join a local cleanup group. Do you enjoy helping younger kids? See if you can volunteer as a tutor or helper at an after-school program.
Volunteering can expose you to different work environments and types of tasks. It can also help you develop skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable in any career. Plus, it’s a great way to make a positive impact!
Part-Time Jobs (Age-Appropriate)
Depending on your age and local regulations, you might be able to get a part-time job in middle school. Common first jobs for young teens include babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn mowing, or helping out at a local store.
Having a part-time job teaches you responsibility, time management, and the value of money. You’ll learn how to follow instructions, work with others, and handle customer service (if applicable). Even seemingly simple jobs can build important work habits.
If you do have a part-time job, make sure it doesn’t interfere with your schoolwork or extracurricular activities. School should always be your priority.
Other Activities
There are many other activities in middle school that can spark career interests and build valuable skills. Joining clubs, sports teams, or participating in extracurriculars can be very beneficial.
For example, if you’re interested in writing and journalism, joining the school newspaper or yearbook committee would be a great experience. If you love science and technology, consider joining a science club, robotics team, or coding group. If you enjoy public speaking and debate, the debate team or student government might be a good fit.
These activities allow you to explore your interests in a hands-on way, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and meet other students who share your passions. They also look great on future college or job applications, showing that you are engaged, motivated, and have diverse interests.
Prepare for Your Future
Career preparation isn’t just for high school or college; it starts now! While you’re in middle school, focus on building a strong foundation for your future success.
Focus on Your Education
Getting a good education is crucial for any career path. The skills you learn in middle school, like reading, writing, math, and critical thinking, are essential for almost every job. Pay attention in class, do your best on assignments, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Plan Your Courses. Even in middle school, the courses you choose can start shaping your future options. If you think you might be interested in science or math, make sure you take challenging science and math classes. If you love writing and languages, focus on English and language arts. Talk to your school counselor about choosing courses that align with your interests.
Do Your Best. Your middle school grades and effort matter. They show your teachers and future educators that you are committed to learning and can succeed academically. Laura Inscoe, a school counselor, advises students to “start strong and stay strong” from the beginning of middle school.
Don’t worry too much if you struggle in a class sometimes. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to try your best and learn from your experiences. Mark Danaher reminds students that “school studies open doors if you do well, but they don’t shut doors if you don’t. You might just take a different path.”
Explore Different Subjects
Middle school is the perfect time to explore a wide range of subjects and activities. Try different clubs, sports, hobbies, and classes to see what you enjoy and what you’re good at.
Take advantage of opportunities to learn about different career fields. Attend career days, listen to guest speakers, and research different professions online. The more you explore now, the better prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions about your future.
Think About High School and Beyond
While college might seem far away, it’s never too early to start thinking about your path after middle school. Consider what type of high school you might want to attend and what programs they offer. Some high schools have specialized programs or academies focused on specific career areas, like science, technology, or arts.
Start researching different types of education and training beyond high school, such as vocational schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Understanding the different options available will help you plan your future education and career path.
Be Open-Minded and Follow Your Interests
Remember, your career path is unique to you. There’s no single “right” way to plan your future. Be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to change your mind along the way.
Steve Schneider encourages flexibility, saying, “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?'”
Have confidence in yourself and pursue your interests, even if they seem challenging or unconventional. Mark Danaher advises, “Put a plan together and go for it, even if everyone else says you’re crazy, or you’ll never make it.” You might not become a famous athlete or movie star, but you can find a way to work in a field you love and enjoy what you do.
Resources for More Information
Explore these resources to learn more about careers and career planning:
- Your School Counselor: Your school counselor is a fantastic resource! They can provide career assessments, guidance, and information about different career paths.
- Public and School Libraries: Libraries have books, websites, and other resources about careers.
- My Next Move: This website helps you explore careers based on your interests and skills.
- Career One Stop: This website offers tools for career exploration, training, and job searching.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: This website provides detailed information about hundreds of different occupations.
Starting career planning in middle school is all about exploring, discovering yourself, and building a strong foundation for your future. Embrace the journey, be curious, and enjoy the process of finding your path!
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Even in middle school, you can start developing habits that will impress future employers and educators. Mark Danaher suggests that students can get “college and work ready” by:
- Being Punctual: Get to class on time and be on time for appointments and activities.
- Taking Responsibility: Be responsible for your schoolwork, assignments, and commitments.
- Communicating Effectively: Let teachers or supervisors know if you’ll be absent or need help.
Julie Hartline emphasizes the importance of appropriate behavior: “You act one way with your friends and another in a more formal setting. Be mindful of how you present yourself.”
This also extends to your online presence. Michael Carter advises caution with social media: “Social media can be great for connecting with people, but you have to be really careful. Think about what you post online, as future schools and employers might look at it.”
Remember, building good habits and presenting yourself well starts now and will benefit you throughout your life and career journey!
