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What is the best thing to do in high school to prepare for a future career?
I am currently in high school in my junior year.
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7 answers
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Chirayu’s Answer
Hello Jeffrey, few things that can be done in high school are - focus on your academics, particularly in subjects related to your future career. Participate in extracurricular activities related to your future career or build transferable skills. Network with professionals in your desired field. Volunteer or get an internship to gain real-world experience. Start considering colleges and research their programs related to your future career. Plan and prepare for standardized tests related to your future career (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, etc). Good luck.
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Ryan’s Answer
This is a great question! In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to be purposeful in everything you do. Don't just go through the motions in class (like I did). This will make you average and you will be behind the curve. When I say "be purposeful", what I mean is, focus on the goal. If you're studying, be purposeful in retaining what you're reading/watching. If you're taking an exam, be purposeful in answering all of the questions accurately. If you're playing basketball, focus on your technique and drills.
Another way to look as this is, "the only thing that matters is what you're currently doing". Don't let outside thoughts enter your head and distract you when you're in the middle of something. It's easy for us to think of 2-3 things at once, but it's not purposeful to do so. When you do this, you're not allowing yourself to focus 100% on the task, in which case you won't execute to the best of your ability.
If you focus on becoming purposeful in your studies, your extracurriculars, your friendships, etc., you will become an expert at all things you do. This will launch you forward as a successful individual, and in doing so, you will enter the job market with a work ethic that will out preform most of your peers. And if you decide to start your own company by way of entrepreneurship, this mindset will support you with all of the work it will take to do so.
Set a 1 day goal, a 1 week goal, a 1 month goal, a 1 year goal and a 5 year goal.
Execute your 1 day goal each day.
As yourself what you need to do today to meet all your future goals.
Be purposeful
Another way to look as this is, "the only thing that matters is what you're currently doing". Don't let outside thoughts enter your head and distract you when you're in the middle of something. It's easy for us to think of 2-3 things at once, but it's not purposeful to do so. When you do this, you're not allowing yourself to focus 100% on the task, in which case you won't execute to the best of your ability.
If you focus on becoming purposeful in your studies, your extracurriculars, your friendships, etc., you will become an expert at all things you do. This will launch you forward as a successful individual, and in doing so, you will enter the job market with a work ethic that will out preform most of your peers. And if you decide to start your own company by way of entrepreneurship, this mindset will support you with all of the work it will take to do so.
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
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Terica’s Answer
Hello Jeffrey!
This is a great question and there are a number of things you can do to prepare. I will share a few things that I did and think will help prepare you as well. First develop a career plan. Think about what you want you to do and make a plan and goal specific to that career. Make sure you consider your skills and interests, explore career options, consider academic requirements, gain relevant practical experiences, and complete a job search. Take a look at the possible options and careers available. Don't be afraid to dream big and if the career for you doesn't exist, don't be afraid to create it!
Good luck! Befearless
TJ
This is a great question and there are a number of things you can do to prepare. I will share a few things that I did and think will help prepare you as well. First develop a career plan. Think about what you want you to do and make a plan and goal specific to that career. Make sure you consider your skills and interests, explore career options, consider academic requirements, gain relevant practical experiences, and complete a job search. Take a look at the possible options and careers available. Don't be afraid to dream big and if the career for you doesn't exist, don't be afraid to create it!
Good luck! Befearless
TJ
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Diane’s Answer
Hi Jeffrey - of course, grades are important but will assume you already know this. Building good/great study skills/habits will benefit you in the rest of your life and in any career. Having an idea of what career(s) interest you. Choose a career(s) that really interests you, motivates you and that gives you a purpose. Talk with adults in those careers about their experiences and/or maybe even ask to shadow them for a day to see what the day to day is like. Talk with your high school counselor or visit a college and speak with a college counselor as they are a wealth of knowledge.
Participate in extracurricular activities and/or clubs while in high school. The skills, experiences and lessons learned will provide invaluable tools for the rest of your live; plus you will probably make lifelong friends.
Participate in extracurricular activities and/or clubs while in high school. The skills, experiences and lessons learned will provide invaluable tools for the rest of your live; plus you will probably make lifelong friends.
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Maria’s Answer
In addition to the other answers, I'm going to go the other way and mention a hard skill to learn to help with succeeding for any career field and college: pass your computer typing classes in high school. In the age of digital native language where all communication is instant and constant, learning how to type quickly and proficiently has been a blessing! Most communication happens in front of a screen in most career fields and creating accessibility to your information and how to receive that information may make a significant impact. Professional writing helps in college and beyond.
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David’s Answer
Hi Jeffrey,
While I agree that academics are incredibly important, I would actually advocate for more thought being given to extracurriculars to broaden your perspective. I would suggest making a basic (broad) career plan and committing to things for the experience rather than resume. As I have come to realize, career plans change all the time.
The best thing that you could do right now is to explore the different avenues of the field you think you want to work in. For example, if you had passion for science, it is not limited to medicine or research, and having an interest in science is not exclusionary towards humanities or business. Explore what you can do in the field by first identifying your passions. Then plan out what you want to study in order to gain a foundation.
While I agree that academics are incredibly important, I would actually advocate for more thought being given to extracurriculars to broaden your perspective. I would suggest making a basic (broad) career plan and committing to things for the experience rather than resume. As I have come to realize, career plans change all the time.
The best thing that you could do right now is to explore the different avenues of the field you think you want to work in. For example, if you had passion for science, it is not limited to medicine or research, and having an interest in science is not exclusionary towards humanities or business. Explore what you can do in the field by first identifying your passions. Then plan out what you want to study in order to gain a foundation.
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello there. The odds of you being sure on your future career are pretty low. You will likely change your mind several times, and that's okay. Be productive and don't make a mistake that will cost you down the line. Try to be a better version of yourself every day. As long as you do that, you will be just fine.