How Middle and High Schools Can Start Preparing for AI in Career Counseling

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing the workforce, it’s reshaping how students discover and prepare for their future careers. As AI tools become more common in schools and workplaces, middle and high schools have an opportunity to introduce students to these technologies early on. Whether your school is large or small, here’s how to start preparing students and career counselors for the age of AI.

1. Build AI Literacy Across the School

Before AI can become a helpful tool in education and career planning, students need to understand what it is and how it works. That doesn’t mean every student needs to become a programmer, but they should understand the basics:

• What is AI, and where do we see it in everyday life?
• What are the pros and cons of using AI in school or work?
• How do we use it responsibly?

To help students build this foundation, schools can introduce:

• Mini-lessons or modules on machine learning, prompt writing, and ethical AI use
• Projects or classroom discussions that explore how AI affects different industries
• Cross-curricular integration, where subjects like English, history, and science connect AI to real-world examples

This helps students approach AI not as a mysterious black box, but as a tool they can understand and use.

2. Provide Professional Development for Educators and Counselors

Teachers and counselors don’t need to be AI experts, but they do need support in understanding how AI is shaping the workforce and what tools are emerging in education. Schools can:

• Offer professional development sessions on AI in education and career pathways
• Use free resources like MIT RAISE, AI4K12, or Amazon Future Engineer
• Encourage collaboration between teachers and counselors to align career education with what’s being taught in the classroom

When staff feel more confident with AI, they can better guide students in using these tools wisely.

3. Use AI-Powered Tools in Career Counseling

AI tools can make career exploration more personalized and effective. With the right tools, counselors can offer:

• Career assessments that analyze student interests and strengths to suggest potential paths
• Real-time labor market data that highlights growing fields and needed skills
• AI simulations or virtual job shadowing so students can explore careers they’re curious about
• Automated support like resume builders, mock interview tools, and application assistance

These tools don’t replace human guidance, they free up counselors to focus on deeper conversations while giving students access to real-world insights.

4. Connect Students to Real Career Pathways

To prepare students for jobs of the future, schools should give them ways to experience career paths now. This could include:

• Partnerships with local businesses or colleges for job shadows and mentorship
• Career and technical education (CTE) electives focused on AI, coding, or data science
• Project-based learning that solves real-world problems using technology

These opportunities help students build both technical and soft skills while making more informed decisions about their future.

5. Create Policies and Involve Students in the Process

AI is evolving quickly, and schools need clear policies to make sure it’s used responsibly. As you adopt new tools:

• Develop school-wide guidelines for ethical AI use, data privacy, and academic integrity
• Involve students in creating rules around AI. Their voices matter in discussions about fairness, equity, and how these tools are used in class
• Review your tools and processes regularly to make sure they still align with your goals

By involving students in the conversation, schools foster trust and help young people become thoughtful, ethical tech users.

Getting Started: A Quick Checklist

If you’re just beginning this journey, here are three places to start:

1. Launch a pilot AI literacy program for a specific grade or advisory period
2. Hold a joint PD session for teachers and counselors to explore career-connected AI tools
3. Survey students and staff about what support they need around career exploration and technology

Next Steps

Preparing students for an AI-driven future doesn’t require massive budgets or tech overhauls. It starts with awareness, education, and the right support for both staff and students. No matter your school’s size or setting, building a thoughtful approach to AI now will help your students thrive later.

If you’re looking for tools or support in building your school’s career exploration program, Orchard can help.