How To Find A High School Career Coach

There Are Many Options Available To Help You Find Your Best Career Coaching Match

By Amanda Machonis, Stride Success Coach

Seeing the headline of this article, you may be wondering why you need a Career Coach during your years in high school. Most people think of athletics when they hear the word “coach,” but there are so many other types of coaches out there – for mental health, fitness, relationships, leadership, sales, and yes, careers! Career Coaches are likely easier to find than you might initially think. Read on to learn about Stride’s Career Prep program, and other options out there.

Career Coaching Options Within Your School

There are professionals in any school system that work with students, to help them with exploring career options. They go by different names – guidance counselor/school counselor, CRE coordinator or teacher, CTE coordinator or teacher, or librarian/media specialist. Maybe you’ve even taken a course with one of them. These folks are knowledgeable in things like resume writing, college applications, and finding a part-time job. Sometimes they may not have the time to work with you 1:1 on a regular basis, but they can point you in the right direction. And, they can help you to start exploring careers.

Career Coaching Options Within Libraries And Nonprofits

Public libraries hold a wealth of information and support for their community members. If you don’t have a library card yet, go out and get one! You’ll have access to more than just books… for free. Libraries offer materials like e-books, audiobooks, internet access, genealogy research, and more. Librarians are experienced researchers, and they love connecting people to that which they seek. Sometimes libraries offer courses on resume writing and job searching, as well.

There may also be nonprofit organizations in your area that help with job-related topics. For instance, if you’re in Pennsylvania, you could check out PA Career Link. After school programs exist, as well, to help. Search for community or youth centers in your area, to see if you can find any locally.

Stride Career Prep Success Coaching Options

Stride Career Prep began in 2021. It is a unique program, serving Stride K12 Career Prep students. The best part is that it’s free! The people and places mentioned previously are great, but often don’t have enough time, or employees, to serve students individually. Stride Success Coaches will meet you via Zoom, in 1:1 sessions, in order to deliver personalized career coaching. Meet with a coach as often as you need to during high school, to set yourself up for career success. Below is a list of items a Success Coach can work with you to create and/or improve:

Resumes
Career exploration
Career assessments
College research and applications
Interviewing skills
Tallo or LinkedIn profiles
Job or internship search
Networking skills

Most schools don’t offer 1:1 career coaching, so take advantage of it!

There are currently several Success Coaches you can meet with through Stride. Combined, they have over 40 years of experience in coaching students! By clicking here, you can meet with the first available coach. You can also find out more information about each coach, and choose the best one to work with you, by going here.

Do you have questions about filling out the FAFSA? Courtney is your person. Are you neurodivergent and exploring college options? Talk to Amanda. You get the idea. Schedule a coaching session today, to get a jumpstart on your career exploration. It’s never too early, or too late, to get started.

Wondering “What To Look For In An Internship Job Description?” Click here, to find out more information!

And, check out the article on How To Make The Most Out Of A Virtual Career Fair, too!

Check out the latest tips on Balancing Work And High School, from a Stride Career Prep Success Coach!

To read a Stride Student Advisor’s Perspective on finding the right internship for you, click here.