Graduating high school can make for an intimidating time. After you walk across that stage, what comes next? Maybe you haven’t decided what those next steps look like for you. Fortunately, these career planning tips for recent high school graduates can make the transition from high school to independent adulthood an easy one.
Career planning tips for high schoolers
Most recent high school graduates need career advice before they’re ready to pursue a college degree or enter the workforce. That’s why career planning should begin long before graduation day. In this article, Coryer Staffing shares practical advice for recent high school graduates, including different tips for finding a job without a college degree.
01. Find a mentor
First things first, consider finding a mentor. Don’t just take our word for it, either. Indeed reports that having a mentor can you provide you with valuable career planning tips. Mentors can also provide you with constructive criticism and words of encouragement. Lastly, a mentor can help you set career goals or even introduce you to their network connections, which could lead to new and exciting job opportunities in the future.
02. Explore your interests
High school is the perfect time to explore your interests. Start by learning what you’re good at. And if you’re not sure what you’re good at? “If you don’t know what you want to do, the question is, ‘What do you like to learn about?’” says Steve Schneider, a Wisconsin school counselor interviewed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “If you really like science, what do you enjoy about it—the lab work, the research?” Use the answers to these questions to discover your interests and learn more about how they might lead to a meaningful career.
03. Is college the right choice for you?
College isn’t the only option for recent high school graduates. In fact, let’s just get this out of the way – college isn’t the right fit for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options. In fact, plenty of high school graduates go on to enter the workforce after graduation day. Many of these recent high school graduates enter programs like RAMP, a year-long program designed to give recent high school graduates the opportunity to earn money while exploring different jobs in the greater Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT regions.
04. Learn about career opportunities
Learning about career opportunities as a high school senior or recent high school graduate can sound like an impossible task. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Staffing agencies like Coryer Staffing have connections to several local companies, across a wide variety of industries. You can learn about these career opportunities by looking at the agency’s Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT job listings or by speaking with a recruiter.
05. Learn how to write a resume
A resume provides employers with an overview of your professional qualifications, including your work experience, skills, education, and accomplishments, Resume Genius reports. As a recent high school graduate entering the workforce, learning how to write a resume is key. If you’re unsure of how to write a resume, consider scheduling an appointment with a Coryer Staffing recruiter.
06. Get involved
You have a mentor, you’ve got a good grasp on jobs in the Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT areas, and you’ve got a resume in hand. Now, it’s time to get involved. Consider volunteering for a local organization such as the YMCA or joining a young professionals group such as ADKYP. Not only will both activities include meeting new people and building connections, but those connections could lead to letters of recommendation, job opportunities, and more.
07. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
When all is said and done, even the best career planning tips for high schoolers won’t prevent you from making some mistakes along the way. The good news is that it’s what you learn from those mistakes that helps you grow. And if you need additional support along the way? You can trust in the knowledge and experience of the Coryer Staffing team. Whether you’re interested in learning more about RAMP or have questions about jobs in Plattsburgh, NY, Burlington, VT, our team is dedicated to putting you on the path to success.
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