25 answers
Alden
Student
Albany, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What is the smartest thing to do while in high school to succeed in college and later in your first job?
What is the smartest thing to do while in high school to succeed in college and later in your first job?
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25 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Great question Alden!
The smartest thing you can do is EXPLORE!
Research schools and careers of interest
job shadow some different careers of interest
volunteer in areas of interest
get a part-time job or internship
join clubs and organizations that help you build skills
take courses that challenge you and help you explore skills needed for your career of interest
The more you explore the more secure you will feel in your degree choice. Being involved in college and continuing to gain experience is also important to finding a job after.
I hope this helps!
The smartest thing you can do is EXPLORE!
Research schools and careers of interest
job shadow some different careers of interest
volunteer in areas of interest
get a part-time job or internship
join clubs and organizations that help you build skills
take courses that challenge you and help you explore skills needed for your career of interest
The more you explore the more secure you will feel in your degree choice. Being involved in college and continuing to gain experience is also important to finding a job after.
I hope this helps!
Casey Washington
Management consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Casey’s Answer
Hi Alden, I'd highly recommend exploring your interests and trying as many new things as possible. As a high school student, you have the unique opportunity to try new things and quickly pivot / anchor on alternatives once you realize that you do or do not like something.
More tactically, this means that you should self reflect and identify things that interest you (e.g., hobbies, specific academic subjects, career paths), and find various opportunities for each (e.g., internships, programs, jobs) to try them out and see if you enjoy them. Doing so will allow you to deliberately figure out what you do / do not enjoy, and set you up for success when figuring out what you'd like to do next (e.g., applying to colleges, figuring out what career(s) are of interest). One thing to remember, is that it is okay to be uncertain in what you want to pursue. As a high schooler, your primary goal in setting yourself up for success and in your career, is to figure out what you enjoy. Once you've figured that out, your path becomes much clearer, and you have a goal to work towards.
More tactically, this means that you should self reflect and identify things that interest you (e.g., hobbies, specific academic subjects, career paths), and find various opportunities for each (e.g., internships, programs, jobs) to try them out and see if you enjoy them. Doing so will allow you to deliberately figure out what you do / do not enjoy, and set you up for success when figuring out what you'd like to do next (e.g., applying to colleges, figuring out what career(s) are of interest). One thing to remember, is that it is okay to be uncertain in what you want to pursue. As a high schooler, your primary goal in setting yourself up for success and in your career, is to figure out what you enjoy. Once you've figured that out, your path becomes much clearer, and you have a goal to work towards.
Sydney Streets
Talent Attraction Senior Manager
4
Answers
Burlington, Vermont
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Give everything a shot! Discover themes, chances, subjects, and sports that spark your interest and go after them. Especially when challenges arise, don't give up. In the same vein, put your best foot forward in school. While grades aren't the be-all and end-all, they can certainly pave the way for new opportunities. If you ever find yourself needing assistance, don't hesitate to ask for help. Remember, there's no reward for struggling alone. Hope this guidance brings you some comfort!
Carlos Santiago Villeda
Consulting
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carlos Santiago’s Answer
The best action you can take is to strive for excellent grades and participate in groups that spark your interest. This will pave the way for you to select your desired college, alleviate concerns about debt, and delve into your deepest passions!
Myra Rivera
product management
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Myra’s Answer
Connect with individuals who work in fields you're passionate about, and don't hesitate to ask your teachers if they know anyone who'd be willing to chat with you briefly or exchange emails. This way, you can gain more insight into their profession and how they achieved their success.
Always be open to learning and maintain a positive mindset.
Remember, it's perfectly okay not to be an expert in a topic right now. With a growth mindset, you can acquire new skills and improve over time. So, dedicate some time to learn and master something important to you. You have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Always be open to learning and maintain a positive mindset.
Remember, it's perfectly okay not to be an expert in a topic right now. With a growth mindset, you can acquire new skills and improve over time. So, dedicate some time to learn and master something important to you. You have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Krishna Patel
Consulting
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
Would recommend having an open mind and exploring everything that you feel comfortable exploring, both in terms of subjects but also activities that are available to you. You'll be surprised by what you end up liking that you didn't expect to.
Also, don't get caught up with what other people are doing or are interested in. Focus on what makes you feel fulfilled in life and pursue those things in the fullest. Being like everyone else is easier, but people can easily tell when you're truly passionate about something vs just do it because everyone else does. Find those passions and go 110% into it.
Also, don't get caught up with what other people are doing or are interested in. Focus on what makes you feel fulfilled in life and pursue those things in the fullest. Being like everyone else is easier, but people can easily tell when you're truly passionate about something vs just do it because everyone else does. Find those passions and go 110% into it.
Victor Diaz Fung, CAIA
Associate - Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Here's my best advice for you: enjoy every step of your journey, let your curiosity run wild, and build strong relationships. I'd dare to say that almost all of your high school experiences won't determine your entire future. Think of this time as a special period to discover your interests and find out what really lights up your soul. Once you find that spark, guiding yourself along your own special path becomes easy and enjoyable.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Alden, I think the keys to success in college start with developing your writing skills, your organizational skills and your time management skills. Then I would think about things like sufficient sleep, rest/relaxation, exercise and nutrition, along with a healthy amount of socializing, reading and hobbies. Life experiences can be very important in becoming a well rounded, mature and knowledgeable student and prospective professional. And I would certainly start thinking, assuming you haven't already, about the major and career that you think suits you best. Consider your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values, and start exploring the websites of colleges you might be considering to find the classes and programs that feel like the best match.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
599
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I regret not building more connections with others. That and not jumping more groups and associations. Connections -especially the right ones- can have an amazing impact on your personal and professional life.
Don’t be so quick to just plow through it. While I pushed through my BA, my MBA I networked much more and gained a tremendous amount of connections! A much better experience that 10 years later is still helping me.
Don’t be so quick to just plow through it. While I pushed through my BA, my MBA I networked much more and gained a tremendous amount of connections! A much better experience that 10 years later is still helping me.
Alicia Canady
Healthcare Administrator
2
Answers
Chula Vista, California
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
Hi Alden! This is a great question. The best advice I could give to you is make sure you have a strategic plan regarding your future. Meaning, look at ways you can get college credits while in high school. There are options that my son did like taking AP courses that give you college credit after taking the AP exam in the particular subjects, go to summer school at the local city college and take courses that apply to your undergraduate degree. This will not only save you time but also save you money. Also, make sure you are doing research on majors that are needed because, you don’t want to spend time and money pursuing a major that is over saturated and you can’t get a job. Lastly, I would say if you are good at tests take CLEP exams as well. Remember, you don’t want to graduate college only to be bogged down with student loan debt. It’s wonderful your asking these types of questions now before you head to college. Take care and I know you will succeed. -Alicia
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Alden,
One thing I would recommend would be getting a job. A job not only looks great for your college application, but it also teaches you a lot about the real world and responsibility. Getting a job and learning a specialty also helps set you up for the future in college where it can be nice to have some extra income!
One thing I would recommend would be getting a job. A job not only looks great for your college application, but it also teaches you a lot about the real world and responsibility. Getting a job and learning a specialty also helps set you up for the future in college where it can be nice to have some extra income!
Shavon Overstreet
Office Manager
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shavon’s Answer
Some helpful things to do is to take time to consider if you are working on what are considered the competencies of the workforce: critical thinking, communication, leadership, time management, teamwork skills, your level of
professionalism, and your technical skills. These are skills you’ll need in college and in the workforce. When you’re considering colleges you should also consider the career you want to pursue. They two will work hand and hand because you’ll want to know which college offers the degree program in the field you’d like to go into and the success rate of graduates and those who have obtained jobs of people who have studied.
It’s also good to look into summer programs the winter before, like now so that you can apply and be one of the first to be considered.
Never forget that everything you do whether it’s a hobby, the types of shows you’re attracted to, the foods you like to eat, all come into play when planning your future. They can help you gauge, what you can do during stressful times to get back focused, what locations you should consider when you’re deciding where to study and work, and what type of culture you will succeed in when you get there.
So yes, it is good to have volunteer hours, and to pursue a career that will allow you to have financial freedom, but it’s also important to know you’ll want to be in places where you can always be able to show off your strengths and build on them.
professionalism, and your technical skills. These are skills you’ll need in college and in the workforce. When you’re considering colleges you should also consider the career you want to pursue. They two will work hand and hand because you’ll want to know which college offers the degree program in the field you’d like to go into and the success rate of graduates and those who have obtained jobs of people who have studied.
It’s also good to look into summer programs the winter before, like now so that you can apply and be one of the first to be considered.
Never forget that everything you do whether it’s a hobby, the types of shows you’re attracted to, the foods you like to eat, all come into play when planning your future. They can help you gauge, what you can do during stressful times to get back focused, what locations you should consider when you’re deciding where to study and work, and what type of culture you will succeed in when you get there.
So yes, it is good to have volunteer hours, and to pursue a career that will allow you to have financial freedom, but it’s also important to know you’ll want to be in places where you can always be able to show off your strengths and build on them.
Diana-Andreea Fuiorea
Global Product Marketing Manager
1
Answer
Bucharest, Romania
Updated
Diana-Andreea’s Answer
This is a fantastic question! My advice to you is to look for trainings to attend, internships and try to find a good mentor. Internships will take you into the world of business, where you will discover what it means to be a professional and decide which path you want to take in your career. Trainings will get you connected with like-minded individuals and you will increase your knowledge and connections. A good mentor will share his/her career experience and will answer any questions you might have about specific situations.
Shelisa Henley
Child Psychologist
42
Answers
Warner Robins, Georgia
Updated
Shelisa’s Answer
Good Morning ! Smart Hearts!!
Thank you !! For your Question!
It is part of Wonderful World
You All are the Smart Ones!! In High School ! I was the Recipient of Who's Who Among High School Students Award!! I learned early on to be Thankful for every random act of kindness displayed
by Good People that helped make college a reality for me. My Freshman Year, I received a Nomination from
Who's Who Among College Students!! Again I said Thank you
And I Congratulated the winner which helped me to propel in college and land my first job!! Be Appreciative!! If you learn to Say Thank You Now !!!You Say Thank You later!!! Hope this help!! Remember All of ones that helped you along the way in High School, College and Career!!! Winners!!!
Shelisa
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
?
Thank you !! For your Question!
It is part of Wonderful World
You All are the Smart Ones!! In High School ! I was the Recipient of Who's Who Among High School Students Award!! I learned early on to be Thankful for every random act of kindness displayed
by Good People that helped make college a reality for me. My Freshman Year, I received a Nomination from
Who's Who Among College Students!! Again I said Thank you
And I Congratulated the winner which helped me to propel in college and land my first job!! Be Appreciative!! If you learn to Say Thank You Now !!!You Say Thank You later!!! Hope this help!! Remember All of ones that helped you along the way in High School, College and Career!!! Winners!!!
Shelisa
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
?
Smiti Dani
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Smiti’s Answer
Be honest and intentional with yourself and your time!
1. Find people that energise you (and keep in touch with them)
2. Explore areas of work that you are passionate about and will help you achieve your financial goals
3. Be true to yourself and your family
4. Work very hard - nothing beats this : )
Good luck!
Make a plan!
1. Find people that energise you (and keep in touch with them)
2. Explore areas of work that you are passionate about and will help you achieve your financial goals
3. Be true to yourself and your family
4. Work very hard - nothing beats this : )
Good luck!
Smiti recommends the following next steps:
Joseph Gale
Management Consultancy
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I believe it comes down to 3 aspects:
1. Ensuring you excel at high school and prepare as well as possible for tests/exams.
2. Enjoy yourself outside of class doing extra-curricular activities, for example debating club (builds strong verbal skills), sports (builds teamwork, resilience) and anything else that you enjoy.
3. Understand what jobs exist and connect with people (friends parents for example) asking if you can shadow them at work for a week in your school break. Make sure to understand what you like / don’t like about specific jobs and then ask people how they got to their current position
1. Ensuring you excel at high school and prepare as well as possible for tests/exams.
2. Enjoy yourself outside of class doing extra-curricular activities, for example debating club (builds strong verbal skills), sports (builds teamwork, resilience) and anything else that you enjoy.
3. Understand what jobs exist and connect with people (friends parents for example) asking if you can shadow them at work for a week in your school break. Make sure to understand what you like / don’t like about specific jobs and then ask people how they got to their current position
Leo Agnihotri
Consultant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Leo’s Answer
Hey Alden!
I'd recommend trying the following: wander purposefully. Like many have said now is a time to go out and explore! But there are so many things out there to try so it can be overwhelming.
My recommendation would be to take an honest look at your past experiences and let that guide what you try next. Try to deconstruct each experience you have and break it down into the core components that drove your satisfaction of the experience. Maybe it was the people that made it fun. Or perhaps it was the amount you could talk to customers. Or maybe it was the flexible work schedule that worked really well for you!
As you go through trying all these different interests and jobs, you should reflect on your experience so that over time you begin to see your options narrow (in a good way!). This will lead you to a set of college/career options that you know you'll be happy with, even if you're still figuring out "exactly" what your passion is.
Hope that helps!
I'd recommend trying the following: wander purposefully. Like many have said now is a time to go out and explore! But there are so many things out there to try so it can be overwhelming.
My recommendation would be to take an honest look at your past experiences and let that guide what you try next. Try to deconstruct each experience you have and break it down into the core components that drove your satisfaction of the experience. Maybe it was the people that made it fun. Or perhaps it was the amount you could talk to customers. Or maybe it was the flexible work schedule that worked really well for you!
As you go through trying all these different interests and jobs, you should reflect on your experience so that over time you begin to see your options narrow (in a good way!). This will lead you to a set of college/career options that you know you'll be happy with, even if you're still figuring out "exactly" what your passion is.
Hope that helps!
Kamal Yechoor
Management Consultant
4
Answers