Whether you’ve known what job you want since the second grade, or have no idea what kind of jobs are out there, a little career planning can’t hurt. Many high school students think that career planning is something that begins once they leave school. Career planning, in fact, is an ongoing process that allows you to rethink and reevaluate yourself and your career options as you have experiences and as you grow and develop. It is a process and not a one-time event even though many adults in our culture don’t recognize that fact.
The best way to begin the process of self-exploration is while you’re in high school. Self-exploration allows you to get to know yourself. Now is the time to learn about who you are and what you are good at. How can you do that? Below are some activities that will help you find out about many types of experiences:
- Take a variety of classes to learn subjects, strengths and interests.
- Learn to develop new skills through clubs, activities, etc.
- Ask questions of anyone working in a career that interests you.
- Talk to career professionals, advisors, counselors, teachers, parents and friends.
- Do some research into careers that you think you might like; find the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and just browse or go online, especially ONET; also Google careers you like.
- Find summer or part-time jobs or volunteer experiences that allow you to work around or in areas of interest
Resources
- Tips for Finding Employment
- How Adults Can Help
- Career Exploration
- Occupational Information
- Employment Trends
- Salary Information
- Trade and Professional Associations
- Military Information
- Educational Information
- Distance Education
- Seminars, Short Courses and Certification Opportunities
- Financial Aid Information
- Apprenticeships and Other Alternative Training Opportunities
- Job Search Instruction
- Job Banks
- Researching Employers
- Windham County Summer Jobs Listing
- Starting Your Own Business – The Other Career Choice