What Does It Mean To Be Career Ready ?
Exploring Careers
How do you begin to decide which career is right for you? Once you have completed self-assessments, it's time to explore career options. Below are some tips on how to explore careers.
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Exploring Careers Online. There are hundreds of online resources for you to check out. Take a look at the Career Resources below to get started.
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Informational Interviews. Consider scheduling some interviews with people who have jobs that you find interesting.
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Job Shadowing. Spend either a day or half-day observing a career professional and learn what a typical day entails. You can learn a lot about a career and industry through observation and asking the right questions.
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Cooperative Education. Some schools have cooperative education programs that allow students to attend classes for part of the day then work during the remaining part. The school and business cooperate to create a learning environment.
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Internships. Many WCPSS high school have internship programs, including Cary High School. Students have the opportunity to take on projects and gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships look great on your resume!
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Summer Programs. Consider using some of your time to participate in a summer enrichment program. Plan ahead and apply early since many programs have limited enrollment and fill up quickly.
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Part-Time Jobs. Whether it's a summer job or a part-time job during the school year, part-time employment is a great way to gain work experience and explore careers.
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Volunteering. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and gain work experience and explore careers. Volunteer activities also look great on your college and scholarship applications.
Contact Ms. Ward in Room 2106 to help you get started exploring careers today!
High School Career Planning
The Career Development Process involves the completion of a variety of activities geared toward helping students determine or confirm their desired career direction. This is the initial action that must be taken in order to select an appropriate career or college major.
The greatest need for career development programs occur at the high school level. The need is that graduation plans dictate certain educational selections that require guided reflection and decision-making. Mr. Evans is available to help all students through the career development process.
Step 1: Get to Know Yourself - See Career Assessment Page.
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Identify interest, strengths, values, traits, and ambitions
Step 2: Exploring Career Options - See Career Assessment Page
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Research careers that align with interest
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Understand trends within the industry
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Research education and training requirements
Step 3: Get Focused
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Make decisions and set goals
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Develop an action plan
Step 4: Take Action
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Choose Career related HS course work
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Prepare a resume
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Gain experience through work-based learning(Job Shadow, Cooperative Ed, Internship
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Start to build your personal and professional network
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Build and refine workplace and life skills
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Reflect and addapt
