13 answers
shania
Student
Manchester, Connecticut
8
Questions
Asked
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Any advice for a rising High School Senior?
I start my senior year soon! What are some things you wish you did, or would advise someone on to do. Can be anything
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11 answers
Andrew Flinchbaugh
Operations and Enablement within higher education
2
Answers
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Congratulations to you and anyone embarking on their Senior Year! The time will fly by, so my advice is to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible both from an academic and extracurricular perspective. Similar to other comments, I wish I would have taken more time to explore career pathways and all of the details that build into a professional career - not just the degree. Research scholarships, grants, and any workforce funding (state and federal) if you're exploring in-demand roles that might be in the healthcare and/or tech field. Some industry recognized credential programs can be earned while in high school, preparing you for direct employment opportunities right out of school. Many can stack as well into career connected pathways, leading to stable, high paying careers. College is the traditional pathway out of high school, but do not overlook other shorter credential training options! Enjoy your Senior Year!!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
shania
DIANNE RIGATO
Associate Director of Instructional Design
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
DIANNE’s Answer
Congratulations on starting senior year! I would recommend that you start making strategic career choices that put you in the field you eventually want to be in so you can narrow down your focus and meet people. Apply to a bunch of schools. Look into scholarships and government grants. Have fun with friends and family, make memories! Life is not a straight line.
Yisel Andujar
Pharmacy / Fulfillment
13
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Shania,
Congratulations on reaching your senior year! This is a fantastic achievement and a perfect time to celebrate. It's also a great opportunity to explore your interests, whether you're looking into schools or considering volunteer work for your college applications. Remember to enjoy each moment and give yourself the freedom to learn and grow. Even if this year feels like a whirlwind, keep positive people around you and find a routine that balances study, fresh air, and time with loved ones. Be intentional with your actions, and once again, congratulations!
Congratulations on reaching your senior year! This is a fantastic achievement and a perfect time to celebrate. It's also a great opportunity to explore your interests, whether you're looking into schools or considering volunteer work for your college applications. Remember to enjoy each moment and give yourself the freedom to learn and grow. Even if this year feels like a whirlwind, keep positive people around you and find a routine that balances study, fresh air, and time with loved ones. Be intentional with your actions, and once again, congratulations!
Thank you soo much, I appreciate you taking the time to give me guidance I will remember this when I start my senior year!
shania
Kelly Murphy
Senior Finance Manager
6
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hey there!
This is such an exciting time for you! It's important to remember that building connections can be more valuable than having your entire career plan figured out right away. It's easy to get wrapped up in choosing a major, finding internships, or landing jobs, but you don't need all the answers just yet. Take the time to talk to people, share your interests, and discover where you feel you belong. Remember, your first job is just the beginning, not the end.
This is such an exciting time for you! It's important to remember that building connections can be more valuable than having your entire career plan figured out right away. It's easy to get wrapped up in choosing a major, finding internships, or landing jobs, but you don't need all the answers just yet. Take the time to talk to people, share your interests, and discover where you feel you belong. Remember, your first job is just the beginning, not the end.
Nancy Hamernik
Education Sales
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Congratulations Senior!!!!
I wish I would have done some shadowing in different areas like healthcare, teaching, food service, etc. It took me some time to realize that I wanted to get into education and I felt like wasted some time trying to figure out my passions. I feel like shadowing and experiencing other fields would have opened my eyes to more opportunities and make my time more efficient and productive.
There are so many trades and roles that are available and experiencing those before choosing a career path is important. How do you know you want to do (insert a career here) if you have never experienced it?
I wish I would have done some shadowing in different areas like healthcare, teaching, food service, etc. It took me some time to realize that I wanted to get into education and I felt like wasted some time trying to figure out my passions. I feel like shadowing and experiencing other fields would have opened my eyes to more opportunities and make my time more efficient and productive.
There are so many trades and roles that are available and experiencing those before choosing a career path is important. How do you know you want to do (insert a career here) if you have never experienced it?
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
53
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Enjoy your senior year and prepare for what's next with excitement. Here are some helpful thoughts for high school seniors:
- Don't stress about having everything planned out. Your college major or first job won't define your entire future. As you gain experience, your interests will likely change.
- Join activities that you truly love. Whether it's clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time jobs, these can help you discover your passions and make new friends. Choose what makes you happy, not just what looks good on a resume.
- Approach college applications with care, but stay balanced. Apply to a variety of schools and consider costs, scholarships, and financial aid. The most prestigious school isn't always the best fit for you.
- Cherish time with friends and family. Senior year flies by, so capture memories, attend events, and enjoy the everyday moments.
- Don't stress about having everything planned out. Your college major or first job won't define your entire future. As you gain experience, your interests will likely change.
- Join activities that you truly love. Whether it's clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time jobs, these can help you discover your passions and make new friends. Choose what makes you happy, not just what looks good on a resume.
- Approach college applications with care, but stay balanced. Apply to a variety of schools and consider costs, scholarships, and financial aid. The most prestigious school isn't always the best fit for you.
- Cherish time with friends and family. Senior year flies by, so capture memories, attend events, and enjoy the everyday moments.
Amanda (Kohn) Zelin, MPA
Enrollment Advisor
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Amanda (Kohn)’s Answer
When I was in high school, I talked to teachers, guidance counselors, and others about my interests and potential colleges. Today, using AI for career advice would be much quicker than searching on Google.
I also applied for scholarships early in my senior year. Be creative in your search. Check with places like your church or temple to see if they offer scholarships for graduating seniors.
I also applied for scholarships early in my senior year. Be creative in your search. Check with places like your church or temple to see if they offer scholarships for graduating seniors.
Dr. Lily Chan, DC, LAc
Acupuncture
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dr. Lily’s Answer
This is what I wish someone told me at that age: Poor people react, Rich people Forecast - Always think 10-20-30 years ahead. it's hard at your age, but it gets easier.
I recommend researching jobs, salaries, and work-life balance of that job. Meet real life people in those fields and spend a day with them and see what they do and what their life is like.
For example, a degree in business sounds great, but do you really have the hustle and entrepreneur drive to be successful in it? Owning your business means working 80+ hours a week for <40 hours of pay. And after graduation that degree doesn't guaranteed a job. There are many degrees that are being replaced with AI. find a skill that will last.
Does the security of being a W2 employee with health benefits matter for you? Maybe having summers off, having family time, and traveling are your goals. There are careers that can allow that, such as teachers, nursing, or healthcare. Or maybe working remote. I know someone who is a police dispatcher, she works nights so she can have the days with her kids. I know many plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, teachers who are millionaires. How?... Once you get your first paycheck Open a Roth IRA and invest in a mutual fund or ETF (dont risk single stocks, just keep it simple), and start investing early. Invest in your 401k (if your future work provides one). This is how you will retire early. Every $1 you invest in your 20's will 70x by the time you are 60. $100,000 invested in your 20's can become 7 million when you retire. It sounds daunting but its very doable, Start early.
When I was in HS and college they preached "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" As an adult, that saying is BS.
You should have enjoyment in what you do, BUT your life is #1.
*How do you want to live your life? And then find a job that best suits and can provide you that, (and be something you can enjoy doing.)
Everyone will get burned out from work at some point, so no matter how much you 'love' something you will get burned out, and all you have is your life to get you through the days.
After, when you find what career works best for you, Then see if the amount of tuition/student loans you have to take makes any sense. If you have to go into $300,000+ debt for college, to only get a job that pays you 65k a year.. that's not worth it. You will never pay off those loans. a $300k loan at 5% interest, the minimum payment on the income based payment play would be $1000/month, but interest accrues at 1500 a month. So every month you pay, you're still ADDing another $500 to your loan so your loan never goes away and after 30+ years of paying that loan you would've paid way over $600k to student loans. Get your GE's at a community college or a cheaper school and cut those costs down.
Research Jobs and Salaries and Lifestyles
Decided if you want to be a W2 employee
Start investing for retirement when you get your first paycheck
Retire early
Don't spend a lot of money on student loans and tuition. Make sure your Return on investment (tuition) makes sense .
I recommend researching jobs, salaries, and work-life balance of that job. Meet real life people in those fields and spend a day with them and see what they do and what their life is like.
For example, a degree in business sounds great, but do you really have the hustle and entrepreneur drive to be successful in it? Owning your business means working 80+ hours a week for <40 hours of pay. And after graduation that degree doesn't guaranteed a job. There are many degrees that are being replaced with AI. find a skill that will last.
Does the security of being a W2 employee with health benefits matter for you? Maybe having summers off, having family time, and traveling are your goals. There are careers that can allow that, such as teachers, nursing, or healthcare. Or maybe working remote. I know someone who is a police dispatcher, she works nights so she can have the days with her kids. I know many plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, teachers who are millionaires. How?... Once you get your first paycheck Open a Roth IRA and invest in a mutual fund or ETF (dont risk single stocks, just keep it simple), and start investing early. Invest in your 401k (if your future work provides one). This is how you will retire early. Every $1 you invest in your 20's will 70x by the time you are 60. $100,000 invested in your 20's can become 7 million when you retire. It sounds daunting but its very doable, Start early.
When I was in HS and college they preached "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" As an adult, that saying is BS.
You should have enjoyment in what you do, BUT your life is #1.
*How do you want to live your life? And then find a job that best suits and can provide you that, (and be something you can enjoy doing.)
Everyone will get burned out from work at some point, so no matter how much you 'love' something you will get burned out, and all you have is your life to get you through the days.
After, when you find what career works best for you, Then see if the amount of tuition/student loans you have to take makes any sense. If you have to go into $300,000+ debt for college, to only get a job that pays you 65k a year.. that's not worth it. You will never pay off those loans. a $300k loan at 5% interest, the minimum payment on the income based payment play would be $1000/month, but interest accrues at 1500 a month. So every month you pay, you're still ADDing another $500 to your loan so your loan never goes away and after 30+ years of paying that loan you would've paid way over $600k to student loans. Get your GE's at a community college or a cheaper school and cut those costs down.
Dr. Lily recommends the following next steps:
Kassandra Cardenas
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kassandra’s Answer
Hello,
Congratulations on going into your senior year, super exciting! Something I would like to share, that I wish I knew, was that it's so important to network and deepen any connections you might already have.
Talk with your advisors, teachers, and friends engage with everyone, you never know who can help you later in life. In addition to this, also make sure to reach out with college instructors, industry professionals who are in a field you are interested in, for a coffee chat! While you are in this coffee chats make sure to try and make a true connection rather than a superficial one, people love to help so be sure to use that to your advantage!
Congratulations on going into your senior year, super exciting! Something I would like to share, that I wish I knew, was that it's so important to network and deepen any connections you might already have.
Talk with your advisors, teachers, and friends engage with everyone, you never know who can help you later in life. In addition to this, also make sure to reach out with college instructors, industry professionals who are in a field you are interested in, for a coffee chat! While you are in this coffee chats make sure to try and make a true connection rather than a superficial one, people love to help so be sure to use that to your advantage!
Alex Casillas
Support Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Alex’s Answer
The exposure to what type of jobs are out there is really lacking for a majority of High-school students. I would suggest just talking to people in your community, church, or parent's friends to really know what they do for work, how they got to that point, and what they find fulfilling. You'll probably see there are tons of other careers you didn't know about, and their degrees and paths there were all different.
Lorène Garnier Sander
Market Research Analyst
1
Answer
Fort Wright, Kentucky
Updated
Lorène’s Answer
Hey there! Big congrats on this achievement! Make the most of your senior year. I recommend spending some time with people in jobs you find interesting. It really helped me figure out if I would enjoy a certain career. Also, recent grads are usually happy to chat and offer some guidance!
Loved reading this, thanks!
shania