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What are some good ways for students to gain real world experience before choosing a career?
I’m currently a student and still deciding what career path I want to follow. I’m interested in learning about internships, volunteering, clubs, or other opportunities that can help me gain experience and figure out what careers might be a good fit for me.
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Maria’s Answer
Hi Claudia!
Another great way to get real world experience of a career is by shadowing professionals. Ask around in your community, your parent's friends, teachers, colleagues if they know anyone that has a career you are interested in. They may be able to get you in contact with someone (with your parent's/guardian's permission) that will let you follow them around at work for a day! You will be surprised how excited people are to teach and share what they do everyday.
I hope this helps!
Another great way to get real world experience of a career is by shadowing professionals. Ask around in your community, your parent's friends, teachers, colleagues if they know anyone that has a career you are interested in. They may be able to get you in contact with someone (with your parent's/guardian's permission) that will let you follow them around at work for a day! You will be surprised how excited people are to teach and share what they do everyday.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Volunteering in different places is a great way to make friends and learn new skills.
Updated
Mohamednoor’s Answer
You can always do the research yourself by looking for ways to internship and get experience. You can also take a test to determine which career field you are most connected to.
Here is the test on truity;
https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test
Here is the test on truity;
https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test
Updated
Terri’s Answer
You have the power to take charge of your future by exploring opportunities on your own. Online platforms like Indeed, Handshake, and Idealist.org make it simple to find internships or volunteer roles that match your interests and location. Many companies and nonprofits also post opportunities on their websites, so checking out organizations you find interesting is a great way to begin.
Networking might seem scary, but it can start with easy conversations. Chatting with teachers, family, or friends about their work can give you useful insights and might even open doors to experiences like job shadowing. You can also reach out to local businesses or nonprofits with a friendly email or call to ask about internships or volunteer work. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it shows you’re eager, and many places appreciate that.
Taking these small steps, even at your own pace, can help you gain experience, boost your confidence, and find the career path that suits you best.
Networking might seem scary, but it can start with easy conversations. Chatting with teachers, family, or friends about their work can give you useful insights and might even open doors to experiences like job shadowing. You can also reach out to local businesses or nonprofits with a friendly email or call to ask about internships or volunteer work. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it shows you’re eager, and many places appreciate that.
Taking these small steps, even at your own pace, can help you gain experience, boost your confidence, and find the career path that suits you best.
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Hi Karina,
This is a great question that I similarly faced while in high school, college and beyond! I started out choosing a certain major due to my high school job at a pharmacy. After some failure and realizing that wasn't for me, I leaned into what I enjoyed doing/what I was skilled at to help find my path. I liked math and found my way into business courses, including accounting, which seemed to come very naturally to me. Before graduating, I was hired by an accounting firm and even after a few years in accounting, I changed my path again by leaning into my strengths/interests and going into HR!
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing the "right" path, as it likely will and could change even after you start your career. I'd recommend leaning into what you enjoy and building your network through the opportunities available to you (school teachers, parents, coaches, volunteer orgs, etc.)
Hope this helps and good luck to you!
This is a great question that I similarly faced while in high school, college and beyond! I started out choosing a certain major due to my high school job at a pharmacy. After some failure and realizing that wasn't for me, I leaned into what I enjoyed doing/what I was skilled at to help find my path. I liked math and found my way into business courses, including accounting, which seemed to come very naturally to me. Before graduating, I was hired by an accounting firm and even after a few years in accounting, I changed my path again by leaning into my strengths/interests and going into HR!
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing the "right" path, as it likely will and could change even after you start your career. I'd recommend leaning into what you enjoy and building your network through the opportunities available to you (school teachers, parents, coaches, volunteer orgs, etc.)
Hope this helps and good luck to you!
Updated
Claudia’s Answer
Hi Karina,
One of the best ways to gain real-world experience before choosing a career path is through volunteering. Internships are also a great option; however, they typically involve an exchange such as school credit or payment. Volunteering is generally unpaid, but many organizations are more open to bringing on volunteers, which can make it easier to get started and explore different fields.
I recommend checking out your local library, as they often offer programs that involve helping others and building transferable skills. Career fairs and job fairs are also excellent opportunities to meet professionals directly from companies or industries you’re interested in. When attending these events, prepare a short pitch that is clear, confident, and straight to the point.
Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
One of the best ways to gain real-world experience before choosing a career path is through volunteering. Internships are also a great option; however, they typically involve an exchange such as school credit or payment. Volunteering is generally unpaid, but many organizations are more open to bringing on volunteers, which can make it easier to get started and explore different fields.
I recommend checking out your local library, as they often offer programs that involve helping others and building transferable skills. Career fairs and job fairs are also excellent opportunities to meet professionals directly from companies or industries you’re interested in. When attending these events, prepare a short pitch that is clear, confident, and straight to the point.
Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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