Getting An Early Start On Learning Career Skills Can Help Students Build A Better Future
Current jobs and workplaces are changing at a rather rapid rate, and it can be hard to predict the types of career paths that will be around in the future, as well. The speed at which new jobs, new workplace standards, and new career fields may develop is also predicted to accelerate. It is for these very reasons that many schools, along with students and their families, are now convinced that career exploration, and the development of relevant skills, needs to occur earlier in the educational process.
And, that is what career training today should be all about… giving students the skills they need to succeed in a hyper-flexible, ever-changing world. This, in turn, will make them more adaptable and resilient people. Teaching career-applicable skills as early as middle school can make choosing career pathways and development options in high school more seamless, too. Here are three important tips to help students begin learning career-relevant skills early in their educational journeys…
Career Development Tip #1: You Can Volunteer To Build Your Career Skill Sets.
Choosing to volunteer in almost any endeavor that is of interest to you is a terrific way to build transferrable skills, early on in your learning. Local organizations in your community are great places to seek out volunteer opportunities. And, even if you begin your first volunteer role with only one or two responsibilities, if you prove yourself to be reliable, you can often transition into greater and broader responsibilities down the line. Once a volunteer role completes itself, or you feel like you’ve learned what it is you came to experience, you can consider numerous other volunteer positions in the same organization, or in a different one. Working in a variety of volunteer positions can help you rapidly expand your professional skills sets.
Career Development Tip #2: You Can Choose To Work With a Mentor, Who Can Help With Early Career Prep.
Having a seasoned mentor to provide you with key insights for career possibilities can be invaluable. A good mentor is also able to help you navigate the nuances of a workplace, as well as help with any questions and necessary problem-solving. Mentors can also act as an aid in explaining long-term career supports, like professional networking and how you can increase your productivity. You can even get assistance with challenging workplace relationship dynamics from a mentor, too. Learning all of this early on, as a part of your individual career prep, can give create a strong start for the high school years and beyond.
Career Development Tip #3: You Will Want To Embrace Your Career As A Journey, And Work On Soft Skills, Too.
While the advice from years ago might have been to climb the proverbial corporate ladder in a linear career trajectory, it is likely that particular perspective is outdated for many people coming into the job market today. You career may actually end up resembling a switchback road more than a ladder. So, it may be in your best interest to seek out ways to build resilience and learn as many technical jobsite skills as is reasonable for you. It critically is important to remember that “soft skills” are necessary across all industries and job types. Soft skills include things like written communications, in-person video presentations, team building activities, collaborations, time management abilities, and active listening.
If you are interested in reading some real-life stories, from high school students, about how early career prep has shaped their professional endeavors, then be sure to visit the Stride Student Advisory Council Page!
Not sure how to find a career you want? Then make sure you read How To Figure Out What Career You Want, by a Stride Success Coach!
To find out more about Stride Career Prep’s online programs, visit the site: https://www.k12.com/career-and-college-prep/
Working and learning at the same time can also give students a career boost! Be sure to visit Rethinking School: Earn While You Learn!
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