If you’re reading this as a high school student, congratulations, you’re already ahead of the game. While it might feel overwhelming to think about your future career when you’re still figuring out tomorrow’s homework, the truth is that high school is the perfect time to start exploring your options and building the foundation for your professional future.
Here’s something that might surprise you: about 80% of students in college end up changing their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. On average, college students change their major at least three times over the course of their college career. This isn’t a sign of failure, it’s proof that career exploration is an ongoing journey, and starting early gives you a significant advantage.
You might be wondering why you need to think about careers now when you have years before entering the workforce. The answer is simple: preparation takes time, and the choices you make in high school can open doors to opportunities you might not even know exist yet.
“Start exploring what you want to do when you’re a freshman,” says Mark Danaher, a career counselor at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut. “The high school years go very quickly.” And he’s right, these four years offer unique opportunities to explore, experiment, and discover what truly interests you without the pressure of making permanent decisions.
Currently, 67 percent of students believe high school isn’t doing enough to prepare them for a future career, with 93 percent of teachers, parents, and other adults agreeing. This means you’ll need to take some initiative in preparing for your future, but don’t worry, we’ll show you exactly how to do that.
Career preparation starts with self-discovery. Begin by asking yourself some fundamental questions: What activities make you lose track of time? What subjects do you genuinely enjoy, not just the ones you’re good at? What problems do you find yourself wanting to solve?
Create a list of your interests, skills, and values. Are you someone who loves working with people, or do you prefer working independently? Do you thrive in creative environments or prefer structured, logical tasks? Understanding these preferences will help guide your career exploration.
Consider taking personality assessments or aptitude tests through your school counselor. While these shouldn’t dictate your career choice, they can provide valuable insights into careers that might align with your natural tendencies and interests.
Check out these career exploration tools to help you out.
The job market is constantly evolving, with new careers emerging as technology advances and society changes. Many of the jobs that will exist when you graduate might not even exist today. That’s why it’s crucial to research not just current career options, but also trends that might shape future opportunities.
Use multiple resources to explore careers:
Look beyond traditional career paths. Urban planners are expected to see 11% growth; and foresters 5%; and environmental specialists should see 8% growth according to the BLS’s 2019 to 2029 projections. These examples show how diverse career opportunities can be, extending far beyond the most commonly discussed professions.
Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to understanding what a career might be like. Here are several ways to gain valuable experience while still in high school:
Internships and Job Shadowing: Many companies offer internships or job shadowing opportunities for high school students. Even a day spent observing a professional can provide invaluable insights into daily responsibilities and work environments.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering not only builds character but also exposes you to different career paths. Volunteering at a hospital might spark interest in healthcare, while helping at a nonprofit could reveal a passion for social work or nonprofit management.
Part-time Jobs: While any job teaches valuable work skills, try to find positions that align with your interests. If you’re interested in business, consider retail or customer service. If you love animals, look for opportunities at veterinary clinics or pet stores.
Personal Projects: Start a blog, create a YouTube channel, build an app, or start a small business. These projects demonstrate initiative and can help you discover entrepreneurial interests.
Regardless of your chosen career path, certain skills will serve you well in any profession. Focus on developing these during high school:
Communication Skills: Whether written or verbal, strong communication skills are valued in every industry. Join debate team, write for the school newspaper, or participate in presentations to strengthen these abilities.
Digital Literacy: A study by the World Economic Forum found that digital literacy skills are becoming increasingly important for success in all industries, not just the tech industry. Learn to use productivity software, understand social media professionally, and familiarize yourself with industry-specific technology.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: These skills are developed through challenging coursework, participation in academic competitions, and tackling complex projects.
Leadership and Teamwork: Join clubs, participate in group projects, and look for opportunities to lead initiatives. These experiences teach you how to work effectively with others and take initiative.
Time Management: Teaching students effective time management techniques, such as creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and setting deadlines, can significantly improve executive function and prepare you for the demands of professional life.
Your high school course selection should reflect your career interests while maintaining flexibility for future changes. Here’s how to approach academic planning:
Networking isn’t just for adults, high school students can and should start building professional relationships. Consider these approaches:
While 61% of college graduates say they would change their undergraduate studies if they could go back, having a plan still provides direction and purpose. Consider these options:
Understanding money management is crucial for any career path. Learn about:
In 2021, college graduates aged 22-27 earned a median annual wage of $52,000, compared to $30,000 for their peers with only a high school diploma, but understanding how to manage whatever you earn is equally important.
Remember that career paths are rarely linear. The key is to build a strong foundation of skills, experiences, and knowledge that can adapt to changing circumstances and opportunities. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot when new interests or opportunities arise.
Career preparation might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it achievable. Start with one or two areas that interest you most, and gradually expand your exploration. Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out right now, the goal is to build awareness, skills, and experiences that will serve you well regardless of your specific career path.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it thoughtfully and intentionally. By starting your career exploration now, you’re investing in a future where you can find meaningful work that aligns with your interests, values, and goals. Your future self will thank you for taking these important steps today.
The journey of career exploration is exciting, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right resources, guidance, and mindset, you can build a strong foundation for whatever career path you choose to pursue. Start today, stay curious, and remember that every step you take is bringing you closer to a fulfilling professional future.