In Botswana we often take high school as a stage where we discover ourselves, start dating, partying up a storm and all. If you are in high school right now, you are at a great point in your life. Now is a good time to start thinking about your future. As you start thinking about potential educational and career paths, here are 10 things to remember in the days ahead.
- Take time to think about what you like to do. There are so many opportunities, so many different types of jobs and careers in a wide variety of industries and there are also other career paths that are just emerging. Even if you are fairly sure of a career choice, take the time in high school to explore similar or even vastly different careers.
- Challenge yourself, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Do get the most out of high school as possible. When you can, take the tough and challenging schedule of classes; you’ll learn more and it will look good to the college admissions staff. Obviously, you need to stay focused on getting good grades, but don’t overload your schedule so that it burns you out.
- Work, volunteer to gain some experience.As with your education, the more you are exposed to, the more options will open to you as you search out careers. If you’re interested in a career in journalism, start writing for your school newspaper and look into a part-time job at a local newspaper.
- Get as much education as you can.We are now a society in which many jobs and careers require additional education or training beyond high school. Some careers even require a graduate degree before you can work in the field.
- Talk with adults about careers and colleges.The best way to find out about different careers is to ask family, neighbors, friends, teachers, and counselors to tell you about their career and college experiences.
- Remember that everyone must follow their own path in life. Don’t spend too much time worrying what other people in your high school are doing or letting their opinions about your dreams and ambitions affect your decision.
- People change; don’t feel locked into any college or career now.It’s great to have an ideal plan for your life, but remember that things happen, and your plans may need to change, so keep an open mind and keep your options open.
- Don’t let anyone control your dreams and ambitions.You will be horribly miserable if you let a parent or other family member dictate your major or your career. Students often feel pressure to follow in an adult family member’s career path, but the worst thing you can do is choose a career to please someone else.
- It’s never too early nor too late to begin making plans.No matter where you are in high school, now is the time to plan the remainder of your high-school years as well as your plans after high school.
- Never stop learning.Don’t pass-up opportunities to learn and experience new things. The more you read, the more you’ll know. It’s a cliche, but knowledge is power.
