It’s Never Too Soon to Start Planning Your Future!

 

By Kaci Scott, TTU K-12 College & Career Readiness

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” If we had a dollar for every time we are asked that question throughout our lives, we wouldn’t need a job, right? It’s the age-old question that, even as adults, many of us cannot answer. It is daunting to think about how the choices made during the growing-up years affect every aspect of one’s adult life. A large portion of our life is spent developing skills, gaining knowledge, and setting goals to achieve our career goals. Career planning is a process that can be very helpful in giving the much-needed direction and vision of the future that lies ahead.

One big misconception of career planning is that it is something that doesn’t need to be addressed until high school. The earlier career planning begins, the clearer the future picture is. Check out these ideas on how to foster career planning with your student.

Take an interest inventory. Usually in a quiz format, an interest inventory asks a series of questions about general tasks, interests, abilities, and preferences, and then when scored will reveal a matching career area. For older students, there are multitudes of interest inventories online. For younger students, it can be as simple as having a conversation with them about their preferences and then recording them. Ask questions such as: “Would you rather put together a puzzle or fix your bike?” Then discuss with your student.

Research and investigate. Keep it simple for younger students; help your student realize what jobs are needed to make everything in the world work. At the grocery store? Talk about the different careers—checker, stocker, food broker—that it takes to make a grocery store work. At the doctor’s office? Point out the receptionist, doctor, and nurse.

Older students can find a wealth of information online. One great website to explore is the United States Department of Labor site, O*Net. You can search by jobs, skills needed, crosswalks, future needs, and more.

Interviews, observations, and job shadowing. One of the most effective ways to explore careers is to visit with people who are in the career field that your student is interested in. Most employers would be honored to show you the ropes and allow you to ask questions and see firsthand what the job is about. Younger students can work on their public speaking skills and do a basic interview with someone in a career they are interested in. Older students can shadow someone in that field to see what day-to-day operations may entail. This also looks impressive on a job application and resume.

Make a plan. Draw out a road map to your potential career. This can be very basic for younger students. Discuss if the job they have desired requires higher education or specialized training. Use this time to discuss the importance of always doing their best in school. Older students can take it further and map out high school course goals, specific colleges or trade schools and even start to look at specific steps they will take to meet their goals.

Career planning starts very basic and becomes more detailed as the years pass by. Having these conversations early in your student’s life will help steer them in the right direction and prepare them for success!

Be watching for more College & Career Readiness information headed your way from TTU K‑12!