Career Exploration In High School – Make It A Priority
While in high school students are provided with classes to learn multiple subjects. Extracurricular activities are offered, and volunteer service is encouraged to build an academic resume focusing on gaining entrance to another academic institution, most often college. Let’s say that some students who are not college-bound for whatever reason, are encouraged to attend a technical training program, join the military, or go directly into the workforce. (I am thinking positive here) With that said, the key component often missing when a high school student makes career direction decisions is in-depth Career Exploration.
Many times when a student does well in a particular subject matter it is assumed they enjoy those classes. There is an enormous difference between passing a math class with an A and being an Accountant. Maybe that great math student’s passion is in the automotive field. They love and know everything about the latest and greatest when it comes to the industry and their strength in math can help them calculate gear ratios. Perhaps English is a student’s best class and for the most part, they enjoy being in school, however, that does not directly correlate to becoming an English teacher.
Career exploration can assist a person with identifying the differences and similarities between what they are good at and what they are passionate about. Time spent learning about careers, meeting professionals within the industry of interest, and having real hands-on experiences will support the decision-making process when it comes to academic paths after high school. There are an abundant number of ways to explore career opportunities. First, check with your local school system. If they have a career program, take a good look at it and ask questions. Find out if there are career exploration sessions for students to meet with industry professionals on campus in a presentation setting or if there are job shadow opportunities to experience a real-world workday in a specific career field. Being directed to a website to read about careers, handed a pamphlet, or attending a college fair is not career exploration.
If your school does not provide career exploration, then think outside of the box. Network with family, friends, and business professionals that you know and ask them to share their career experiences. Some companies offer high school job shadows for the day. Places like police departments, fire departments, hospitals, accounting and law firms, retail stores, resorts, and hotels that do community outreach may already have a career program in place. Your favorite hairstylist may love to share what the industry has to offer. The bakery you stop at for all your special occasion cakes may be open to a job shadow for the day. It wouldn’t hurt for your cousin who works at the engineering firm to ask about student exploration opportunities. All you have to do is ask.
