Career Ready: 3 Strategies to Prepare Teens for Life After School 

Consider these tips to help students explore the many options in front of them and prepare for the possibilities that await after high school.

For some time, heading to college or joining the workforce have been the standard choices for teens upon high school graduation. Today, in part due to technology and social media, students have access to myriad career paths that are all but traditional.

“There isn’t a ‘typical’ career anymore,” said Dr. Lorna Bryant, Gen Z career expert and head of career education for Pearson Virtual Schools. “With the perfect storm in the workforce of boomers retiring, many people still not returning to work in the wake of the pandemic and a population that has declined for the last 50 years, this generation (ages 11-26) is positioned extremely well. Employers want and need them. Whether high school grads go to college or work, developing in-demand skills early will help them secure and succeed in the jobs of the future.”

Consider these tips to help students explore their options for after high school

Help Kids Cultivate Durable Skills

 While technology has transformed the world of work, durable skills (also known as “soft” or “human” skills) include collaboration, leadership, communication and attention to detail, along with traits like empathy, grit and resilience, are in demand. Possessing these skills is not only attractive to employers it is one of the best ways to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Bridge Passions and Hobbies to Careers

Exposing children as early as middle school to job roles, responsibilities and salaries connected to areas of interest is important for setting them up for long-term success. Nurturing interests 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.

To help students align their values and interests with potential careers, ask questions such as:

•          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?

Get a Head Start on Credentials or College Credit

Explore available options for obtaining college credits, career-ready credentials, and specialized training for future careers. 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.

Helping children prepare now for life after school can really set them up for success.