I'm a high school junior and I'm filling out my first job application. It asks for a 'field of study.' What am I supposed to put there? Is there a way I can frame my high school courses that makes sense?
As a high school junior, filling out your first job application can indeed feel a bit daunting, especially when you come across questions that typically are relevant to college students or graduates. "Field of Study" is typically meant for those in college to indicate their major.
Since you are still in high school, you can handle this in a couple of ways.
1. You can input "N/A" or "Not Applicable" if the application system allows, since you aren't yet in college or haven't officially selected a major.
2. Another approach is reflecting on what you're planning to study or what your interests are. For instance, if you're leaning towards business for a future major and are taking business-related electives in high school, you could list "Business Studies" as your field.
3. Furthermore, if you are part of a specialized high school program, such as an International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) program, you could list that as well. These programs are often well-regarded and may provide you with an edge, particularly if they align with the job you're applying for.
Remember that this is just one element of an application. The more crucial aspect for HS students applying for jobs is usually the job-specific skills section, where you highlight what you can bring to the table based on your coursework, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant experiences.
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