Engage In Career Exploration
High school is the perfect time to begin your exploration of your future career options. By venturing on this journey, you’ll get to learn more about yourself, what you’re good at, and what you like to do.
The 4 Exploration Stages …
Below are 4 stages to help guide you on your career exploration. You may experience these stages in any order or may go back and forth between each or be working on more than one at a time.
1. Self-Awareness … learning about yourself.
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What are my strengths?
- What skills do I have?
- What subject do I like most?
2. Career exploration … learning about careers you may be interested in and what skills are required.
- Ask your guidance counselor about job shadowing opportunities.
- Call a company you’re interested in and ask to take a tour.
- Research companies or careers on the internet.
3. Career Preparation … gathering knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue your career of interest.
- Ask your guidance counselor what classes you can take to fit your interest.
- Do an extracurricular activity for school or your community that’s connected to your career interest.
4. Career Fit … obtaining experience through working, volunteering or internships.
- Build the skills and get hands-on experience in professional settings.
- Get training and mentoring from more experienced colleagues.
Helpful Resources …
- : includes assessment, checklists on steps to take in career exploration.
- : guides you on how to start your career exploration and work with your school counselor.
- gives advice and information for high school students on how to choose a career and your majors in college.
Other tips for thinking about careers?
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