Billy is in a bind, he's about to graduate and he really has no plans after
graduation. His graduation parties and post graduation vacation plans are
all squared-away, but ask Billy about his CAREER plans and he'll have
trouble giving you a straight answer.
The truth is, most high school seniors give more thought to planning their
graduation parties than they do planning their careers. Think about it,
parties last a few hours and careers can last as long as 96,000 hours! So
why avoid a career decision?
Billy is unsure of a few things. He's heard about some of his friends who
graduated last year and had trouble finding jobs they really liked, and
he's not sure if he wants to go straight into college either. He has so
many unanswered questions, he is almost afraid to start looking for the
answers. "What if I can't decide?" or "What if I make the wrong decision?"
"What if I get stuck with a boring job for the next 20 years?" are thoughts
that often run through Billy's mind.
Billy feels like he's in a LABOR DAZE, he describes his future as "lacking
direction" and he sometimes feels confused and frustrated. One thing seems
clear, though, it looks like Billy could benefit from a meeting with his
high school's career counselor.
"In my opinion," says Linda Putnum, Career Information Coordinator at the
University of Chicago's Career Center, "when students begin the career
planning process, they should try to identify what they really enjoy in
life and they should try to become clear on what they NEED to be happy."
This approach can make the career planning process much more fun and
enjoyable for Billy because he won't be thinking about all the bad things
that might happen, like making "wrong" decisions. But rather, he will be
learning about exciting new options for his future.
Dr. Betty Newlon, a retired professor from the University of Arizona in
Tucson believes that many high school and even college graduates can get
caught in a "wrong" career decision if they
- 1) Take a job just because its
the family business and it is "the thing to do";
- 2) Take a job because a
friend can easily get him/her into the company; and
- 3) Take the first job
that comes along.
"Billy would be wise to put a little careful thought and
planning into his future by sorting it all out with a career counselor,"
said Dr. Newlon.
So, how can Billy (or you) be certain that your post-graduation plans are
solid ones? Start by getting the facts, asking the right questions, and
know what to do with those answers! Whether you're graduating in three
months or you graduated three months ago, its never too late to begin! For
starters, follow this checklist.
Billy plans to work on these 10 steps by meeting with his high school
general business teacher for some advice. He feels better knowing how to
get started, and he understands that his decision will take some time. "I
don't feel in a DAZE anymore because I know teachers and tests can help me
develop a plan."
Top 10 Things a High School Graduate Can Do To Avoid Labor Daze
- 1. Meet with your high school's career counselor, your teachers or your
parents and talk about plans for how you can find out what your career
skills, interest and values are.
- 2. With your career counselor, develop a list of possible careers/jobs
based upon test results from inventories like the Strong Interest Inventory
or Holland's Self Directed Search.
- 3. Make a list of jobs/careers that you could pursue with either a college
degree, a part-time job or both.
- 4. Arrange a meeting with a few of your teachers and guidance counselors to
learn about some of the jobs and/or careers you find interesting. For
example, if you think you might like to work as a psychologist, talk to
your High School's psychology and social studies teachers.
- 5. Read books about careers, jobs, or college degrees that are related to
your interests.
- 6. Take action! Get out there and explore! Apply to colleges and/or apply
for jobs. Ask your career counselor to help you with applications and
interviews.
- 7. Try getting a summer job that is RELATED to your career interests.
Part-time, temporary, and even volunteer opportunities are great ways of
getting experience and a great way to "test" the career on a trial basis.
For example, if you think you might like to be a veterinarian, get a summer
job in an animal hospital so you can see what a day in the life of a vet is
like.
- 8. When working part-time or volunteering, listen and learn. Ask yourself
if you'd really like to work in that industry. Do you think you could
handle being there for 40 hours each week?
- 9. Take 1 or 2 classes at a community college to explore some of your top
career choices. If you get high grades, ask yourself if you might like
being a full-time student for a few years.
- 10. Talk to your parents, your friends, relatives, teachers and others you
are close to about your newly discovered career plans.
Troy Behrens, MA, NCC. Nationally Certified Counselor & Assistant
Director of Career Services Roosevelt University, Chicago
