By: John Glover (MBA)

Choosing a career is one of the important decisions teens will face as they transition into adulthood. With endless possibilities and a rapidly changing job market, the process can feel overwhelming. However, by taking a thoughtful approach and utilizing the right resources, teens can explore career pathways, discover their passions, and make informed decisions about their future.

One particularly useful resource in this journey is So What Comes Next? by Michael A. Deffina. While many tools and methods exist to aid career exploration, this book offers a structured approach to setting goals, exploring options, and staying organized throughout the process, helping teens gain clarity about their career direction.

The Importance of Early Career Exploration

Exploring career options early provides teens with the opportunity to discover a range of professions, including those they may not have considered. Beginning this exploration in high school helps them connect their educational choices with long-term goals. By identifying areas of interest early on, teens can select the right electives, extracurriculars, and internships to lay a solid foundation for future success.

Early exploration also promotes motivation and focus. Understanding how education and experiences align with career aspirations can boost a teen’s engagement in school and give a clear sense of purpose. For example, Deffina’s So What Comes Next? emphasizes the importance of aligning short-term goals with long-term career interests, helping teens maintain focus on their broader objectives as they navigate high school and beyond.

Steps for Researching Career Paths

1. Self-Assessment

Before researching specific careers, teens should start by reflecting on their interests, strengths, and values. Tools such as the CareerOneStop Interest Assessment and the 16Personalities test can help teens identify fields that align with their personal attributes and work styles. This self-reflection forms the foundation for making informed decisions about careers, allowing teens to focus on fields that resonate with both their skills and their personal goals.

2. Researching Careers Online

The internet offers vast resources for teens exploring career options. Websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and ONet Online* provide comprehensive insights into different careers, including job responsibilities, salary ranges, and future job growth projections. Using these tools, teens can gather essential information about potential career paths and understand the requirements for entering specific fields.

3. Informational Interviews

Talking directly to professionals in fields of interest is another effective way to explore careers. Informational interviews allow teens to ask questions and gain insights into specific roles. By speaking with someone in a field they are considering, teens can learn about day-to-day responsibilities, necessary skills, and the challenges they might face in that career.

For example, teens can ask questions like:

• What do you enjoy most about your job?
• How did you start your career?
• What challenges do you face in your profession?
• What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Teens should view each conversation as an opportunity not only to learn about specific jobs but also to build relationships that could lead to internships or mentorships.

4. Job Shadowing

Job shadowing allows teens to observe professionals at work, providing a hands-on perspective of different career paths. This experience gives teens a real-world view of what a job actually entails, helping them assess whether it matches their interests and expectations. Schools, local businesses, and community organizations often have job shadowing programs, and teens can also seek out opportunities through personal networks.

Job shadowing also offers insights into workplace culture, helping teens understand the environments where they might feel comfortable. For instance, a teen may discover they thrive in collaborative team settings, while another may prefer a quieter, more independent work environment. 

5. Internships and Part-Time Jobs

Real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs is one of the ideal ways for teens to explore careers. Many industries offer internships specifically for high school students, providing early exposure to career fields. Even part-time jobs in related industries can offer valuable insights.

For example, a teen interested in healthcare might volunteer at a hospital or clinic, while someone considering a career in marketing could look for part-time work with a local business. These roles help teens develop essential skills, build a resume, and gain insights into specific fields. 

Exploring Alternative Career Pathways

Not all careers follow the traditional four-year college path. Technical and trade schools provide alternatives for students interested in hands-on careers such as electrical work, plumbing, or cosmetology. These fields often offer stable, in-demand job opportunities without requiring the same level of financial investment as a traditional degree.

Online courses, certifications, and apprenticeships also offer viable pathways, particularly in tech-focused industries. Careers in fields like web development, digital marketing, and cybersecurity often prioritize skills and practical experience over formal education, making them more accessible to teens interested in non-traditional routes. 

Utilizing School Resources for Career Planning

Many high schools offer career counseling services to help students navigate the career exploration process. School counselors can connect teens with local internships, guide them in selecting electives that align with their career interests, and assist with college or trade school applications.

Extracurricular activities also play a crucial role in career exploration. Clubs like DECA, robotics teams, or Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) allow teens to develop skills, take on leadership roles, and explore different career fields. By participating in these activities, students gain practical experience that can inform their career decisions. 

Integrating Career Planning with Life Planning: Creating a Manageable Road Map

Career planning is effective when it’s integrated with life planning, where teens consider how their professional ambitions align with personal goals, lifestyle preferences, and long-term aspirations. By connecting both areas, teens create a balanced road map that provides clarity and flexibility for the future.

A key first step is setting both short- and long-term goals. Short-term objectives might include selecting relevant high school electives or participating in internships, while long-term goals could involve pursuing a specific profession or achieving financial independence. Career planning should also take into account personal priorities, like work-life balance or preferred living arrangements. For example, a teen interested in a demanding profession like law might consider how the required time commitment fits into their desired lifestyle.

Conclusion

Exploring and choosing a career is a complex journey, but with the right approach, teens can navigate it with confidence. By engaging in self-assessment, conducting thorough research, and seeking out hands-on experiences like job shadowing and internships, teens can gain valuable insights into potential careers and make informed decisions.

So What Comes Next? serves as a valuable guide in this process, providing teens with a structured framework for setting goals, exploring careers, and staying organized. While there are many tools available, Deffina’s book offers practical strategies to help teens clarify their aspirations and take actionable steps toward their future careers. With thoughtful exploration and the right resources, teens can build a strong foundation for success in whichever path they choose.

Published by: Martin De Juan