High School Students

• Who am I?
• Where am I going?
• How am I going to get there?

• Some high school students typically enter college or the work force without a clear picture of how their interests, abilities, personality, and values relate to the world of work. Many students are just unaware of what types of careers are available to them and how to obtain access to their chosen fields.
• According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, over 30% of college students take five or more years to get their degree. On average, college students change their major two or three times during their college career. Have you thought about the cost of going to college for an extra year or two? Career indecision can be very costly. According to the College Board's "Trends in College Pricing 2006" report, tuition and fees at four-year public colleges rose 6.3% and at private four-year colleges 5.9%. Are students and parents prepared for the additional time and cost of an extra year of college?
• College graduates will earn about $1,000,000 more than a high school graduate during the course of their career according to the Census Bureau Statistics.
• What will happen if you don't plan out your college career? You may end up majoring in a field which looks interesting, get a degree, and get your first job. After working in this career, you may find that it isn't what you thought it would be and realize it's not what you want to do for the rest of your life. People who find themselves in this situation tend to feel trapped because they think it's too late to go back to school and get another degree or get additional training for their desired career field.
• A 2005 Gallup poll showed that 41% of college graduates loved their jobs compared with 31% of those with only some college education and 21% of those with no college education. Similarly, 39% of workers living in households making at least $50,000 say they love their jobs, compared with 22% of those living in lower income households.
• According to the Conference Board, employees are increasingly unhappy at work. Only 50% of people are satisfied with their jobs today.
• Working adults change careers three or four times in a lifetime and work six to eight jobs within a career field. This can be attributed to many factors including company downsizing or jobs becoming obsolete. If this were to happen, do you have an alternate plan in place?

• Take the online career tests to see how your interests, abilities, personality, and values match several career fields.
• Research the careers which seem appealing and interesting. Narrow your search and compile a list of the "Top Ten" careers.
• Research each career using resources on the Internet. Clarify which careers match your personality, interests, goals, and the lifestyle you wish to lead.
• Interview people in each career and gather specific information on the industry, the position, and the potential for growth.
• Find what you love to do and go for it! You will be happier if you find what you love to do. Remember, not all careers offer excellent pay in the beginning. So, do what you love and the money will follow!