28 Nov How to Choose a Career Path in High School: How an Internship Can Help?
Navigating the future can feel like a full-time job when you’re trying to balance homework, extracurriculars, and a social life.
But did you know that nearly 73% of professionals believe they should have started planning their careers back in high school?
While it can seem overwhelming now, starting early can save you tons of stress later on.
Here’s how to start the process.
Benefits of Planning Your Career As a High School Student
So why should you start planning ahead in high school? Here are a few good reasons:
Lets You Feel Prepared
Let’s face it – deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life is a tall order. But starting early means you’ll have time to explore various interests before committing to one path, which can help relieve anxiety.
Imagine heading into college – or straight into the workforce – already knowing what you want to do. Sounds pretty great, right?
College Applications
If you’re aiming for college, having a clear career path can make your application stand out. Admissions committees love to see students who are passionate and driven.
By outlining your career aspirations and showing relevant experiences, like internships or volunteer work, you demonstrate dedication and initiative.
Saves Time and Money
Indecision in college can be costly. On average, students change their majors three times, which can add semesters – and tuition costs – to your college experience.
By planning ahead, you’ll have a better sense of direction, potentially saving both time and money. Plus, focusing on your career goals now could mean landing scholarships or internships in your chosen field, further reducing costs.
Lets You Excel in Your Career
Starting your career planning early means you’re building skills and gaining experiences that will give you an edge over your peers.
Imagine walking into your first job interview armed not just with a diploma, but a resume filled with relevant experiences from an international internship.. Employers are more likely to choose a candidate who shows they’ve been committed to their field for years.
How To Figure Out What You Want to Do For a Career in High School
Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options:
1. Think About Your Strengths and Interests
We all have unique talents and passions. Start by making a list of what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Do you lose track of time while writing stories? Maybe a career in journalism or creative writing is in your future.
2. Make a List of Potential Careers
With your strengths and interests in mind, start researching careers that align with them.
Sites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook are great resources for learning about different job roles, salary expectations, and job outlooks.
Remember, this is just a starting point – you can always refine or expand your list as you learn more.
3. Do Some Job Shadowing
One of the best ways to understand a career is to experience it firsthand. Try shadowing professionals in your field of interest. This will give you a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities and help you decide if it’s something you could see yourself doing long-term.
4. Research the Career Requirements
Before you commit to a career, make sure you understand the educational and skill requirements. Some careers might require a degree, while others may value experience or certifications. Knowing these requirements early allows you to plan your education path accordingly.
5. Look Into Programs
Once you have a few careers in mind, investigate programs that can help you prepare. This could include college courses, vocational training, or internships. Many schools offer dual-enrollment programs, allowing you to take college courses during high school.
6. Think About Finances
While passion is crucial, financial viability is also important. Consider the salary potential of your chosen career paths and weigh them against any necessary educational investments.
Also think of outside opportunities: maybe an internship will lead to a scholarship, or perhaps entering the workforce directly out of high school makes more sense for your situation.
7. Consider Career Growth
Look into the growth potential within your chosen fields.
Are there opportunities for advancement? A career with growth potential can offer a more satisfying long-term path and greater financial security.
8. Talk to Your School Counselor
Your school counselor is a treasure trove of information. They can help you explore career options, find internships, and guide you through the application processes for colleges or vocational programs.
9. Do Informational Interviews
Chatting with professionals in your field of interest can be incredibly insightful. These conversations can provide a real-world perspective on what a career involves and offer advice on how to break into the field.
10. Take Courses
Take advantage of any relevant courses your school offers. Many high schools provide advanced placement or elective classes that align with various career interests. If your school doesn’t offer what you’re looking for, consider online courses or local community college classes.
11. Get a Job
Working part-time while in high school can provide valuable life skills and insights into the world of work. According to the BLS, around 25% of teens work in leisure and hospitality, but your options are limitless.
12. Travel
If you have the opportunity to travel, seize it. The experiences you gain and the people you meet can shape your career path in unexpected ways.
13. Be Willing to Be Flexible
Finally, remember that your career path may change over time, and that’s okay. Be open to new experiences and willing to adapt. The job you dream of today may lead to unexpected opportunities tomorrow.
How an Internship Can Help You Settle on a Career Path
Internships are like tasting menus for careers. They offer a small sample of what working in a certain field might be like, without the commitment of a full-time job.
Imagine this scenario—you’re fascinated by technology and decide to intern at a tech startup. Over the summer, you might assist on a project, shadow employees, and even contribute to brainstorming sessions. This experience could either cement your interest in tech or make you realize that coding all day isn’t your jam.
High school is a time of exploration, but sometimes knowing where to start can be tricky. Internships present the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into different fields and discover where your true interests lie. Have you always been drawn to journalism? Try interning at a local newspaper or magazine. Maybe you’ve pictured yourself in a lab coat—an internship at a research facility or hospital might be just what you need.
But internships aren’t just about finding what you love—they’re also about discovering what doesn’t suit you. In fact, realizing what you don’t want to do can be just as valuable as finding your passion.
For instance, suppose you intern at a law firm and quickly discover that the legal world isn’t for you—the long hours, constant paperwork, and high-pressure environment aren’t what you imagined. You’ve successfully ruled out one potential career path, bringing you closer to finding one that’s perfect for you.
Imagine having a network of professionals who can offer guidance, advice, and even job opportunities. Internship programs provide invaluable opportunities to build connections, too.
Trust Absolute Internship to Help You Plan Your Future
Ready to kick-start your career exploration? Absolute Internship offers programs worldwide, including virtual options for high school students.
Don’t wait any longer to start building your future. Visit Absolute Internship today to learn more about our programs and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career.
Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but with the right guidance and opportunities, you’ll be well on your way to success. Your future self will thank you.
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