Explore Options

Explore Career Options

Familiarizing yourself with various career fields and what jobs actually entail is critical to developing career goals. As you read about careers, speak with professionals in the field, and gain work experience, several options that are most consistent with your interests, values, and skills will emerge and become the focus of your job search.

As a student, you should invest the time and effort necessary to pinpoint the particular interests, abilities and values that will form your career choice.  Remember that exploring your options now will pay off in the long run.

Network, Network, Network

Many professional organizations welcome younger members - even high school students. Get involved! You may be interested in the Society of Women Engineers or the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Through your chapter’s meetings, you’ll learn about developments in the field, and you’ll be privy to information on college internships and job opportunities.

Everyone you know is a possible resource. At the family reunion when great-aunt Mary asks what you’ve been up to, don’t brush her off. She just might know someone who knows someone who’s looking to hire a person with your skills.

Attend Career Fairs

At a career fair, company representatives are there to talk with you about your future, and will explain to you how someone with your skills fits into their organization. If a company strikes your fancy, request an informational interview - it’s an opportunity to submit your résumé and clarify your career goals.  To gain actual work experience in a particular job or career, consider applying for externships, internships, or summer jobs in the field.

Use Your School Resources

Guidance Counselors are considered experts in their field, so visit yours during office hours to get some job advice. In addition, career counselors can administer in-depth personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory. These tools will help you identify careers that satisfy your preferences.