What careers can I explore during high school?

Hey, I was wondering what types of careers I could look into during high school? Want to make sure I get a better idea of the various opportunities out there so I can plan my future.

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about your future and looking to explore careers during high school. There are several ways to get a taste of different careers while you're still in school:

1. Job shadowing: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and ask if you can shadow them for a day or few hours. Shadowing them will give you a firsthand look at their work and help you understand the daily responsibilities of their profession.

2. Internships: Some companies and organizations offer internships specifically for high school students, which can provide valuable work experience. Look for summer internships or part-time opportunities during the school year. CollegeVine's blog has a series of useful posts listing reputable internships in various fields or geographic areas: https://www.collegevine.com/category/extracurricular-activities/internships.

3. Volunteer work: Many nonprofits and community organizations welcome high school students as volunteers. Volunteering can be a great opportunity to gain experience in fields like healthcare, social services, or environmental conservation.

4. Career fairs and workshops: Attend local career fairs or workshops hosted by your school or community organizations. These events often feature professionals from various industries who can provide insights into their fields.

5. Enrichment programs: Some colleges and organizations offer summer programs, workshops, or seminars for high school students to explore different fields. Examples include the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies.

6. Clubs and extracurriculars: Join clubs at your school or in your community that are related to the fields you're interested in. For example, if you're interested in business, consider joining a business club or participating in competitions like DECA or FBLA.

7. Research: Explore online resources, read books, and watch documentaries or interviews with professionals from different fields to learn more about various careers.

8. Networking: Talk to your friends, teachers, and family members about their careers and gather insights from their experiences.

9. Career counseling: Take advantage of your school's career counseling resources. Many high schools have career counselors who can help guide you in your exploration.

Remember, you don't have to commit to a career path while you're still in high school, but getting exposure to different fields can be incredibly beneficial for making informed decisions about your future. Happy exploring!