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Early Career Conversations

 

Start discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills.

 

Parental Involvement

 

Encourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths.

 

Importance of Real-World Experience

 

Teens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work. This helps them understand their likes and dislikes, building confidence in their career choices.

 

Sampling Careers

 

Promote “sampling” various jobs, even informal ones like tutoring or working at a pizza place, to expose teens to different environments and responsibilities.

 

‍ Resume vs. Experience

 

A resume with a 4.0 GPA is valuable, but employers increasingly value life experiences and problem-solving abilities over grades alone.

 

Career Preparation and College

 

In addition to academics, students should engage in extracurriculars, internships, and community service to build a well-rounded application for both college and future jobs.

 

Networking and Exposure

 

College is not just about the degree; it’s also about networking and exposure. Engaging with peers and professors can open doors for future employment.

 

Student Athlete Benefits

 

Being a student athlete can enhance job prospects. However, students must learn to articulate how their athletic experiences translate to skills valuable in the workplace.

 

Book Recommendation

 

Colby Goodman’s book, “Start Now and 49 Other Things You Need to Do to Be Employed by Graduation,” provides actionable steps for students to prepare for their careers.

 

Real-World Skills Over Classroom Focus

 

Emphasize the importance of skills learned outside the classroom. Employers look for problem solvers rather than just job doers.

 

Engagement with Career Coaches

 

Working with a career coach can help students clarify their goals, enhance their resumes, and prepare for interviews to secure jobs post-graduation.

 

Final Thoughts for Parents

 

Encourage ongoing conversations about careers, framing them as exploratory rather than pressure-filled, to cultivate a positive outlook on their child’s future.

 

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Connect with Nara Legrand:

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Email: nara@legrandprep.com

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