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Finish high school
Nearly every job requires basic communication and
math skills. Compared to workers at higher education levels, high school
dropouts have more difficulty getting and keeping jobs. They also have
lower earnings throughout their lives.
Consider continuing your education
The more education you get, the higher your earnings are likely to be.
On average, high school graduates earn more than high school dropouts.
Those who receive post secondary training earn more than high school dropouts
and graduates. And workers who have bachelor’s or higher degrees
usually earn more than those with less education.
Research career information
A
small investment of your time will help you make an informed career choice
that could pay dividends throughout your life. There are hundreds of occupations,
so choosing and planning a career is a lot more complex than it may appear.
The ideal career for you might be something you’ve never heard of
or thought about. The Occupational Outlook Handbook and other career publications
are loaded with helpful information.
Plan your career
Seek out information
about occupations with favorable career prospects, high earnings, and
other attributes that are important to you. Having a solid career plan
can affect your future prospects more than how much education you have.
True, college study increases opportunities for careers with above-average
earnings—but not in all fields. Good opportunities await workers
without college degrees who spend several years learning a sought after
skill or craft.
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Develop basic computer skills
Take
advantage of every opportunity to acquire computer proficiency. Regard-less
of whether you continue your education beyond high school, chances are
that you will need at least minimal computer skills to do your job.
Value your personal interests and abilities
You shouldn’t be dissuaded from a career that interests you just
because it’s competitive. If your interests and abilities draw you
to a field like acting, journalism, law, piloting, or some other competitive
occupation—go for it. Just be prepared for the challenges that may
lie ahead.
Learn how to conduct a good job search and develop a résumé
No matter what you do after high
school, you will have to market your skills as you search for a job. Learning
about résumé preparation and job search techniques will
help you get through the process more easily. Workers average more than
8 different jobs by age 32, so prepare to change jobs—even careers—until
you find the one that’s right for you.
Gain experience early
Learning
by doing is a great way to approach a prospective career. Internships,
part-time jobs, and volunteer work are some examples of ways to get hands-on
experience while still in school. Not only do these opportunities help
you make smarter career decisions, they may help you get hired after graduation;
most employers value work-related experience.
Keep learning
Take every opportunity
to learn new skills. The more you upgrade your skills to the constantly
changing world of work, the more likely you—and your career—will
adapt along with it.
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