High School
Career Preparation
Career preparation is the third step in a student's career decision-making process. By this point, a high school student should have a solid foundation of career awareness and career exploration. Effective career preparation is imperative to building a quality workforce. During the high school years, students should take advantage of comprehensive career planning programs at their high school and parents should continue to be active in guiding their child through the career preparation process.
The United States Department of Education's sixteen career clusters give students a balanced mix of academic preparation, career knowledge, guidance and the flexibility to plan studies in line with career goals and abilities. The career planner and its records of a student's academic achievements, interest inventories, assessments, skills and exploration of career clusters, supports accountability and makes learning relevant to high school students. MEBA recommends that each student have an individualized graduation plan (IGP). The IGP will provide your child a personal guide to motivate learning, align postsecondary educational goals and ultimately prepare for career success.
MEBA also strongly recommends every high school student participate in an extended learning opportunity in their career interest area. Extended learning opportunities, including internships, mentoring, shadowing, apprenticeships, service learning and volunteering, offer unique opportunities for students to gain work related skills. Using information gained through these experiences, your child can make a more informed decision regarding a future career.
The opportunity to review and revise career goals annually is critical. Change in career interests is normal and each student should understand this. However, the career decision-making process does not change. When students understand this process, they equip themselves with a life-skill they will use multiple times over their lifespan.
Top Ten Skills in Demand by Area Employers
- Integrity/Honesty
- Team Player
- Listening Skills
- Responsibility
- Knowing How to Learn
- Self-Esteem
- Reading Skills
- Social Skills
- Reasoning Skills
- Ability to Allocate Time
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 2000 Skills that Work