How Early Career Exploration at Grad Solutions Helps High School Students Get Back on Track

When I was in high school, I had one career aspiration —to work in business administration. I thought a steady job would mean I would be able to make enough money. Of course, I didn’t think about the cost of a house or having children. I had no idea how much daycare would cost and didn’t know about other job options that could pay more. Looking back, one piece of advice I would give to my younger self would be, “Don’t settle on one job possibility. Explore other options.” 

What is Early Career Exploration?

Early career exploration is the process of actively seeking out and gaining exposure to different career paths and industries to make informed decisions about one's career. It involves researching and learning about various career options, exploring different fields through internships or job shadowing, and networking with professionals in those fields to gain insights into their work life and what it takes to succeed.

Early career exploration is perfect for students in high school or college who are trying to determine what career path they want to pursue, but it can also be beneficial for anyone who is considering a career change or wants to explore new opportunities. By gaining a broad understanding of different fields and industries, individuals can make more informed decisions about their career goals and develop a clear plan for achieving them.

Discover your interests and passions

One mistake people make is considering too many job options. High school students can avoid wasting time by narrowing down the options. They can do this by using a career profiler. It’s like taking a quiz to understand what interests match with specific career fields. We recommend using My Next Move or ASA Futurescape®. These can give students a good idea of a few careers that might be right for them. 

By exploring these careers, high school students can get a better idea of what they’re interested in and what they are passionate about. This can help them figure out potential career paths that align with their skills and interests. 

Get ahead of the game with a plan

Early career exploration helps students make better decisions because they already know what they want in the future. This knowledge can give students a clearer idea of the careers they want to pursue. In turn, it helps them plan their academic and career goals better.

Develop money-making skills

Exploring different careers can help students identify the skills and knowledge they need to develop to achieve their career goals. Once they know what skills are needed, they can start developing those skills and make themselves more competitive in the job market.

Make valuable connections

Career exploration often involves meeting professionals in various fields, attending career fairs and events, and exploring internships. This can help students build a network of contacts in their areas of interest. A good network can be valuable when seeking employment or pursuing future educational opportunities. This can lead to other career-related opportunities.

Stay more motivated in school

When you explore different career paths, you’ll gain a better idea of how high school will help you reach your goals. The connection between your education and future goals will be clear and you’re more likely to do better in school. 

Overall, early career exploration is a valuable investment for high school students. It can help them identify their interests, plan their academic and career goals, develop important skills, and build a network of contacts. Ultimately, it can lead to more fulfilling and successful careers.