As a high school student, it may feel like you have all the time in the world to figure out your future. Or, it may seem like all your classmates have it all figured out, and you are still unsure about your future career. Taking the time to explore potential careers now can provide you with a clearer path forward. Whether you know what you want to do or are still undecided, engaging in career exploration can help you make informed decisions that align with your interests, skills, and long-term goals.
Career exploration isn’t just about picking a job or a major; it’s about discovering what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and how these strengths can shape your future. In this guide, we’ll show you how to start exploring career options while still in high school and why it’s a smart move to begin sooner rather than later.
6 Easy Career Exploration Steps for High Schoolers
Step 1: Identify Your Interests and Strengths
The first step in career exploration is understanding yourself. Think about the subjects you enjoy and the activities where you naturally excel. Are you passionate about math or science? Do you enjoy writing, solving problems, or working with your hands? The things you are good at and passionate about can point you toward careers that align with these interests.
Take some time to reflect on what excites and intrigues you. This might mean jotting down your hobbies, favorite subjects, and extracurricular activities. You can also ask yourself questions like, "What would I do for free?" or "When do I feel most engaged and fulfilled?" Answering these questions will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and interests.
Why it matters: When you pursue a career that aligns with your natural strengths, you’re more likely to find satisfaction and success in your work.
Step 2: Research Various Careers
Once you have a better understanding of your interests, the next step is to explore potential career options. High school is the perfect time to start researching different professions to learn what they involve and the opportunities they offer. Take advantage of resources like online career databases, job profiles, and career fairs.
You can also conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields you’re curious about. Reach out to people in your network—teachers, family friends, or mentors—and ask if they can introduce you to someone in the career you’re interested in. Learning directly from people working in the field can give you a real sense of what the day-to-day is like and the qualifications you’ll need.
Why it matters: Exploring different professions allows you to see what options are out there, which might even lead you to discover a career path you hadn’t considered.
Step 3: Engage in Experiential Learning
Reading about careers is helpful, but nothing compares to experiencing them firsthand. Engaging in experiential learning opportunities like internships, job shadowing, or project-based learning can give you a real taste of what it’s like to work in various industries.
For example, if you're interested in business and entrepreneurship, you might consider participating in a summer internship with a local tech startup or joining a project-based learning program like those offered by Envision. These opportunities not only help you gain practical skills but also allow you to test your interests in real-world settings.
Why it matters: Hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the realities of different careers and developing essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
Step 4: Utilize School Resources
Many high schools offer valuable resources to help students explore careers, such as career counseling services, workshops, and job fairs. Your school counselor can provide guidance on the different paths available to you, whether that means college, vocational school, or entering the workforce after graduation.
Additionally, some schools have programs that connect students with local businesses for internships or volunteer opportunities. Be proactive in seeking out these opportunities and take full advantage of the support your school provides. Attending workshops or career seminars can also introduce you to new fields and help you network with professionals.
Why it matters: Your school can be one of your greatest allies in career exploration, offering structured support and resources to help you discover and pursue your interests.
Step 5: Develop Transferable Skills
While it’s important to explore specific career options, remember to develop skills that will be valuable in any career. These are called transferable skills, and they include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management.
Many extracurricular activities, such as student government, sports teams, or school clubs, help you build these skills without you even realizing it. For example, playing on a sports team teaches teamwork and discipline, while leading a club can enhance your leadership and organizational abilities. Developing these skills now will serve you well no matter what career you ultimately choose.
Why it matters: Transferable skills are highly valued by employers and can open doors to a wide range of opportunities in the future.
Step 6: Keep an Open Mind
Lastly, remember that career exploration is an ongoing process. You don’t need to have all the answers right away, and it’s okay to change your mind. As you learn more about different fields and gain new experiences, your interests might evolve—and that’s perfectly normal.
The goal of career exploration is to give you the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about your future. Stay open to new possibilities, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something else sparks your interest down the road.
Why it matters: Keeping an open mind allows you to grow and adapt as your interests and the job market evolve, ensuring you stay flexible and ready for whatever opportunities come your way.
Career exploration is a journey, not a destination. By starting early and taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you, you can gain a clearer understanding of what careers align with your strengths, interests, and values. Whether through research, hands-on experiences, or school programs, exploring potential careers in high school sets you on the path to future success.
The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and be open to the possibilities that lie ahead. Whatever you choose, knowing that you’ve done your homework will give you the confidence to pursue your goals and create a fulfilling and exciting career.
Envision by WorldStrides is passionate about guiding students each step of the way as they rise to their highest potential through transformative experiences. Our programs offer hands-on experiences that allow high schoolers to test the waters of possible career tracks in: