High School is Not Too Early to Explore Career Paths

Your high school schedule is packed with classes, homework, test preparation, activities, clubs, social commitments, and maybe even a part time job. As you work through all these things physically, you are mentally on a journey of self-discovery and planning for your future. Questions about your intended career path come from teachers, parents, mentors, and even your own mind. You may remember how confidently you answered those questions back in kindergarten and wish for that level of self-assurance today.

While teenagers rarely have as many instinctive answers about the world around them as they had as young children, they do have many tools and resources to make thoughtful and evidence-based decisions. Your present ideas about your future career may feel out of focus right now, but resources are available to help you explore your options.

Explore Industries and Statistics Online

The ability to research and discover industries, fields, and professions is easier than it has ever been in history. Today’s career seekers have more access to job information than has ever been available, and this provides a wonderful opportunity for you to plan for a future career that aligns with your values and interests.

The U.S. government provides several databases for career exploration, training and education requirements, and statistical information. They collect this data from many sources such as tax returns, census, and required filings, then compile it into user-friendly sites. A few websites sponsored by the government include:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook – sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Outlook Handbook offers a look at salary, growth projections, and innovation projections in 25 different occupation groups.

• CareerOneStop – the U.S. Department of Labor provides a comprehensive platform of careers, skills, and education programs.

• O*Net OnLine – the U.S. Department of Labor sponsors this database where individuals can cross-reference various data points to research the best career for their style and interests.

Make Offline Connections for Deeper Career Insight

Once you have a few professional paths that seem interesting to you, leverage your network to meet individuals in that field and set up informational interviews. Speak to your school counselor, teachers, parents, and friends’ parents to find out who they know in that field. Ask your parents to review their LinkedIn contacts if no one comes to mind.

Setting up an informational interview may be intimidating, but most people really enjoy talking about their work, and they are often excited to introduce young people to their industry. You will find professionals to be much more receptive to your request than you may anticipate. Informational interviews should be concise, so come prepared with your questions. If you will be meeting by video or in person, dress professionally for the interview, and be punctual. For in person visits, be sure to give yourself extra time to go through security checkpoints, and have your identification ready. Following your interview, send a hand-written thank you note and share a wish to maintain contact if appropriate.

By starting your career exploration in high school, you will begin to shape your academic and activity schedules in ways that support your goals. This will also serve to influence your college search so that you focus on universities that offer your field of study. For more career coach, interview coach, and higher education services, follow Hollenback Consulting on Instagram and LinkedIn.