Proper Research Can Help Prepare High School Students For Their Best Career Options
By Amanda Machonis, Stride Success Coach
Getting started with career research can seem like a big project without a clear starting point, especially for high school students. So, to help students get started, below are three steps that can lead to a great beginning…
Talk to a success coach, as you begin researching careers
Talking to a Success Coach is a great first step, or as an addition to any step in the process of researching careers. It’s never too early, or too late, to seek advice from a career coach. A coach will ask you questions about your interests and goals, and aid you in exploring what is out there. Be prepared to answer some questions about yourself, as well, so that your coach can help you to narrow down possibilities. Some things a coach might ask you can include:
· What do you like to do outside of the classroom?
· What’s your favorite school subject?
· Do you like to work on your own, or with other people?
· Have you explored what you might like to do after high school?
· Are you thinking about college?
· Do you like to help others?
· Do you love the creative arts?
· Have you ever done any job shadowing?
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Take career assessments, as a part of the process for researching careers
There are many assessments out there that can help you identify your strengths, interests, skills, values, and more. Concepts like values are sometimes a bit harder to identify, so assessments can help to clarify what is truly and deeply important to you. After all, who doesn’t like a good personal and/or professional quiz? Career assessments give you details about your personality and the job potentials to which you may gravitate. For instance, if you’re very extroverted, you may not want to work in a field where you are not part of a team. If you like structure in your day-to-day schedule, then working remotely, or as a freelancer, may not be a good fit.
Once you have a few career paths of interest, then you can begin to look into how much education you may need to begin. Education and training could range from certifications or apprenticeships, all the way through to a doctoral degree. There is no right or wrong career path, so be sure to base your decisions on what is best for you, without comparing so much to siblings and peers.
Explore Stride Career Prep, as you research your potential career options
Want to find out more about the work of a nurse or health science professional? Curious about agriculture? Want to learn more about IT jobs? Then look no further than Stride Career Prep! Stride Career Prep is leading the way in ensuring students are ready for life after high school. The program offers a unique curriculum, which allows students to explore their options, and take electives, in high-demand career fields. Also of note, Stride helps blend the high school experience with preparations for career pathways and college, creating an easier transition into career research and experiences, and a faster track forward. Instruction is tailored to each student's future goals, too.
To learn even more from our Stride Success Coaches, be sure to read the Finding Your Path article, for additional career prep advice.
And, check out the article on How To Make The Most Out Of A Virtual Career Fair, too!
To learn more about Stride Career Prep Success Coaching for teens and how it prepares them for life after high school through career exploration or college readiness, visit this site: https://www.stridelearning.com/career-prep/career-exploration/student-success-coaching.html
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