Today is a BIG day. It’s Saturday (hooray!) and for 30 high school seniors, it is the end of their first college course, Career Planning. I have had the unique privilege of guiding 30 hopeful high school seniors through their first taste of college AND helping them navigate one of the biggest decisions they’ve had to make yet: What career do I want to pursue?
Mission.com recently surveyed 3,000 college-bound high school seniors. They found that the number one fear of incoming college students was choosing the wrong career/major. There is SO MUCH PRESSURE on students to make a career decision. The big problem for many of these students is they are making this huge decision with little perspective and (for many) low self-awareness. Knowing that career planning is weighing heavily on students’ minds, I feel privileged that I get to help them find the clarity they are craving. It is an honor to teach a course that is tailored specifically to high school seniors. There are three key parts of career planning that we focus on for college-bound students:
- Developing stronger self-awareness
- Gaining perspective to make an informed decision
- Writing an action plan
If you have a high school senior (or undecided college student) in your life, consider exploring these three phases with them.
Self-Awareness Exercises for Students
Self-awareness is important for multiple reasons, but the biggest reason is it gives students the ability to articulate what is important to them and what they are good at. Later, this translates to confidence in their own decision making when it comes to choosing a career. It also will help them answer interview questions and assess job offers in the future. Learn about my favorite self-awareness exercises here and use them to engage in meaningful conversations with the students in your life!
How High School Seniors Can Gain Perspective
The next phase involves students learning in a professional setting (outside of the classroom) and interacting directly with industry professionals. This could mean they participate in a tour of a company, conduct an informational interview with a professional, job shadow for an afternoon, complete an internship or volunteer experience, work part-time, etc. Here’s the key, gaining perspective doesn’t need to be long or complicated! A student can gain a wealth of perspective from a well-planned 30-minute conversation with a professional. In fact, an informational interview is my favorite suggestion for high school seniors who are just beginning the process of determining the best career path and college major. I’ve prepared a free Informational Interview Guide to help students get the most from a 30-minute conversation with a professional who works in an industry they are considering. Grab your copy today!
Identifying an Academic/Training Program
After a high school senior has chosen a career field, he/she must determine how to prepare best. Too often in America, we have students who choose a college before choosing a career/major. They decide to take general education credits first while they sort through options. But what happens if he/she chooses a career or major that the college doesn’t have? It’s not the end of the world, but it certainly isn’t ideal. It takes time and money to transition schools, not to mention it is emotionally taxing (been there, done that, not fun).
Through exercises like informational interviews, the student likely gained information about how to best prepare for the career field. For some, it might be a four-year degree. For others, a two-year technical degree or specialized training program is most appropriate. Once a student has this information, he/she must begin researching schools that offer the program.
Exploring colleges and education options can be overwhelming for high school seniors and parents! To plan the most productive college visit, see my article How to Plan Successful College Visits. In-person visits help students gain the best perspective. With proper planning, students can even meet with instructors and advisors of the academic or technical program they are considering. Want even more guidance? I also have a free resource, 10 Questions to Ask During College Visits!
Do you have a student who would benefit from chatting about their future career and academic plans? I love the opportunity to connect with students (and parents!), no obligation, no strings attached. Book a free career chat with me at www.lorenkellycoaching.as.me
Want help finding your perfect career?
As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to gain career-relevant experience! I guide students through the internship search, application, and interview process, teaching them life-long skills for career success!
Book a free consultation today!
