Are you ready for the 21st Century workforce? Technological advances and global competition have transformed the nature of work. Tomorrow’s jobs will need more knowledge, better skills, and more flexible workers. They must be ready to change jobs and careers several times, continually updating their knowledge and skills. To compete for 21st century careers you will need to have the following skills:
- Communication
- Writing
- Technology
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational
- Work Ethic
- Teamwork
Do you know your gifts and talents, your likes and dislikes? Have you personally thought about who you are, where you’re going, and how you will get there? Have you taken a career assessment? According to the National Career Development Guidelines career awareness should begin in grades K-5, career exploration in grades 6-8 and career planning in grades 9-12.
We are graduating too many high school students who do not have a clear plan or exposure to careers. Students need to begin this process in elementary and middle school so that upon entering high school they are ready to follow through on a career pathway or plan.
It is okay to enroll in college undecided but solidifying your college major before graduating high school has many advantages.
The following are reasons you should become career ready before graduating high school:
- Scholarships-a number of institutional college scholarships are tied to your major or career interest. If you haven’t clarified what that is, you will miss out on these scholarship opportunities.
- College choice-you want to attend the school that has the best program for your chosen major or career.
- Internships-placements into internships are based on career interest.
- Networking-connecting with professional organizations for networking is based on career interest.
Not knowing what you want to major in can cost you scholarship dollars.
