What is it , specifically , you enjoy about your interests ? What jobs rely on related skills ( working with your hands , serving others , being creative , etc .)?
Do you have the skills to do those jobs ? If not , what research and training do you need to acquire the necessary skillset ?
Are there related jobs available in the geographic location you want to live ?
Can you make enough money to live the lifestyle you want doing this job ?
Can you envision enjoying this type of work for 8 ( or more ) hours per day ?
Many students already possess or are actively developing these skills in high school . The key is to raise awareness of their importance , seek ways to boost them and showcase them on college and job applications or resumes . For example , teens can display their leadership skills by captaining sports teams or starting a club at school . They can showcase collaboration and communication abilities by holding and thriving in student government positions , volunteering or working part-time jobs .
BRIDGE PASSIONS AND HOBBIES TO CAREERS
Beginning conversations with children as early as middle school that expose students to job roles , responsibilities and salaries connected to areas of interest is important for setting them up for long-term success . Nurturing interests – rather than dismissing them as flights of fancy – and finding paths to explore that align with those hobbies or interests in real-world applications can open doors to potential careers that may not have previously been considered .
For example , Lake Liao , a 2023 Lighthouse Connections Academy grad , is attending Princeton University on a prelaw track . The flexibility of online school enabled him to dig into his passions for political and community organizing and activism in high school , including activism around climate and environmental policy . It was through joining local nurses in their fight for a fair contract he realized he wanted to be a lawyer and make a difference in the labor rights cause .
To help students align their values and interests with potential careers , ask questions such as :
GET A HEAD START ON CREDENTIALS OR COLLEGE CREDIT
As earning college credits , career-ready credentials and specialized training for future careers is becoming more accessible for high school and middle school students , it ’ s important to research available options . From online resources , workshops , career counselors and accelerated career readiness programs that allow students to enter college or the workforce “ job-ready ,” there are more options available now than ever before .
One example , Connections Academy , a K-12 online school program , has expanded its slate of college and career readiness initiatives for middle and high school students to offer an innovative tri-credit approach where courses can deliver high school credit ; industry-recognized microcredentials ( to help qualify for careers in data analytics , UX design , software development , cybersecurity and more ); and eligibility for college credit toward more than 150 bachelor ’ s degree programs at partner universities in the United States . In addition , the Career Pathways program delivers curated learning experiences in fields such as IT , business and health care , allowing students to connect with employers , internships and clubs , and take advantage of specialized classes that transition seamlessly to higher education or nationally recognized , industry certifications .
Taking advantage of program offerings , aspiring paramedic Maeson Frymire , a 2022 Inspire Connections Academy graduate , became certified as an EMT before graduating high school . After graduation , he became a firefighter and is now working toward becoming an advanced certified EMT , carving out a career path toward flight paramedicine .
Or consider Abigail Sanders , also a 2022 graduate , who completed her bachelor ’ s degree by the time she graduated high school . Now in the second year of her doctorate program in medical school , she aspires to be a doctor by the age of 22 and uses her love of learning and passion for science to advance her career while seeking to become an oncologist .
For more information on online schools and career readiness programs for teens , visit ConnectionsAcademy . com .
Photos courtesy of Getty Images www . kidslifemagazine . com
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