4 answers
Genevieve
Student
Topeka, Kansas
62
Questions
Asked
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How can a homeschool student explore different careers?
My family recently moved, and our new hometown doesn't have as many resources for homeschoolers as our previous one. My brother is gradating next year, and I want to help him explore different careers and make a good decision. What are ways for him to explore careers in a first hand experience and network with professionals?
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4 answers
Katherine Sun
Student
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
You're such a great sister! You should work with your brother to make a list of his strengths and passions. What are his best subjects and what does he feel he's passionate enough about to want to pursue a career in? From there you can narrow down potential majors in college.
Not sure how old he is, but he should look at internships during the summers. Based on the list from above, you can look at organizations that give high school students opportunities to intern in different sectors like government (city council), nonprofit organizations, and private organizations too. Google "high school internship programs" and see what comes up locally. If he's interested in an area that mom or dad is working in, ask them to reach out to their connections (a lot of the time a parent's colleague is going to be willing to give up half an hour to talk to a student who wants to know what they do!). Don't forget local businesses -- a small local organization or small business owner might be willing to create a job or internship.
Someone above mentioned LinkedIn. It doesn't hurt to start a profile and join interest groups to participate in their discussion boards about jobs. Since he's pretty young, it might be a bit of a hit or miss doing cold outreach to professionals to ask for time to discuss careers, but it doesn't hurt to try. He should start building up his network, and one great way to do this without any work experience is volunteer experience. If his passion is helping people, volunteer at a homeless shelter or food bank. If he likes teaching, become a tutor at a local school or online. If he likes working with kids, the library might have a reading program or he can become a camp counselor.
Make a list: strengths and passions
Use Google for a quick search of local high school internship programs
Become a volunteer: builds your network and he can start working in his areas of academic interest/passion
Not sure how old he is, but he should look at internships during the summers. Based on the list from above, you can look at organizations that give high school students opportunities to intern in different sectors like government (city council), nonprofit organizations, and private organizations too. Google "high school internship programs" and see what comes up locally. If he's interested in an area that mom or dad is working in, ask them to reach out to their connections (a lot of the time a parent's colleague is going to be willing to give up half an hour to talk to a student who wants to know what they do!). Don't forget local businesses -- a small local organization or small business owner might be willing to create a job or internship.
Someone above mentioned LinkedIn. It doesn't hurt to start a profile and join interest groups to participate in their discussion boards about jobs. Since he's pretty young, it might be a bit of a hit or miss doing cold outreach to professionals to ask for time to discuss careers, but it doesn't hurt to try. He should start building up his network, and one great way to do this without any work experience is volunteer experience. If his passion is helping people, volunteer at a homeless shelter or food bank. If he likes teaching, become a tutor at a local school or online. If he likes working with kids, the library might have a reading program or he can become a camp counselor.
Katherine recommends the following next steps:
Great answer! Thank you for taking the time to help out!
Genevieve
JENNIFER Moran
general/cosmetic dentist
2
Answers
Hinsdale, Illinois
Updated
JENNIFER’s Answer
Most dental practices will welcome a student to shadow a dentist. This way, you can observe first-hand what a day in the life is like.
Contact your nearest dentist and ask if they would be willing to allow you to shadow.
JENNIFER recommends the following next steps:
Thanks Jennifer! By the way, I think its awesome that you and other professionals take the time to help students explore their careers. Thanks for doing that!
Genevieve
Sehel Akgul
online
2
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Sehel’s Answer
Hi Genevieve,
Finding your hobby or passion in what you like to do or want to do in life is something to think about. This is not a easy thing to do for sure.
Look into online career advice platforms to readthrough topics your most interested or excited about. Professional platforms like LinkedIn is a good start to network. you can use the high topics sharing or most popular function (search) in these platform to see most recent trending topics or job related in posts. Join social media communities related to career, experience sharing topics. Look for internship or mentorship in the area your interested in and see if these are meeting your life goals.
Finding your hobby or passion in what you like to do or want to do in life is something to think about. This is not a easy thing to do for sure.
Look into online career advice platforms to readthrough topics your most interested or excited about. Professional platforms like LinkedIn is a good start to network. you can use the high topics sharing or most popular function (search) in these platform to see most recent trending topics or job related in posts. Join social media communities related to career, experience sharing topics. Look for internship or mentorship in the area your interested in and see if these are meeting your life goals.
Thank you!
Genevieve
Elizabeth Folsom
10
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
The first thing your brother needs to figure out is what interests him personally. Does he enjoy working with people or animals? Is he into science or math? Once he decides on one or more career paths, see if there are any internships or volunteer opportunities in your area in the field he is interested in. Being homeschooled gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of scheduling so it would be possible to go into an office one or two days a week in ways you cannot if you are in public school. Just getting out there and seeing what is available is the best way to start. Good luck.
Thank you! I'll be sure to pass on your advice to him! :)
Genevieve