FAQS
Career Exploration and High School Students
Everyone is aware that school personnel is generally stretched thin. Overcrowded classrooms, underfunded schools, and understaffed administration make for a host of challenges. Behavioral and academic challenges are often highlighted in news stories and board meetings. However, understaffed and overworked counselors can be more detrimental to high school students’ futures than we realize.
Mentorship
One of the best ways for students to explore post-secondary career opportunities is through mentorship and networking with professionals in their chosen fields. Going out meeting these individuals can be quite intimidating for young people. They want to get to know the business or industry, but meeting someone established can make them feel nervous and anxious. Counselors are often tasked with making these introductions. However, there may not be but two to three counselors in a school of one thousand students or more. This means that each counselor may be responsible for up to five-hundred students. We need more agencies that can foster these meetings between students and professionals and guide students through career exploration.
Goal Management
When meeting these professionals, students can sometimes leave overwhelmed. They are very interested in the industry and maybe even more excited, but they have trouble planning the next steps. Counselors also often help students plan their steps. With the overwhelming number of students, they have, however, they can often not spend much time with each student. Our counselors and programs can help students figure out what to do next.
Awareness
Not every student knows what they want to do in the future. We can help your student explore their career options. Students don’t always know what options are available that meet their desires and abilities. Basketball fans can do jobs in basketball that aren’t players. Gifted writers do not have to be newspaper reporters. Children need guidance to be aware of their options after high school.
Preparation
Goal management is only one portion on the road to college and career readiness. Some programs require specific high school courses or tracks to be eligible for career certifications. Likewise, some programs require particular first- or second-year courses in college for specific degrees. We can help your child decide what they need to do and how to prepare. This preparation includes goal planning and gathering the information and tools to be successful.