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In order to compete in today’s competitive job market, students need to have skills, knowledge and relevant job experiences that will differentiate them from other students. Simply finding a job is not enough; students that plan and prepare for a career increase their likelihood of obtaining employment upon completion of high school or a post-secondary education. In fact, during high school and any post-secondary studies, students should be involved in an ongoing process of career preparation and planning.

The first step in preparing for a career is to consider one’s skills and interests. Then evaluate school and other activities that one has enjoyed the most and determine why. After such an assessment, one can determine the relationship between one’s skills and interests and explore those career options that are most compatible and suitable. It is also important to know whether the suitable career paths have increasing or decreasing opportunities in the job market.

The next step in preparing for a career is to make a career plan. A career plan enables a student to focus on the steps that need to be taken in order to achieve one’s goals. It is important to research the career one has chosen and find out what overall responsibilities and daily activities are required for that career. For certain careers, such as medicine or education, specific training and education are required. Sometimes having some experience in that field will add to one’s success, so pursuing an internship while in school can be advantageous. It is important that one fully understands a career and its requirements before entering that career’s path.