How to choose a career for high school students?

Hey everyone! I've been thinking a lot about my future career lately, but I'm struggling to pick the right one. What advice do you have for high school students who are trying to decide on a career? How can I explore different fields and narrow down my options?

Hi there! Deciding on a future career can be both exciting and daunting, but don't worry—you have plenty of time to explore your interests and make a decision. Here are some steps you can take as a high school student to help explore different fields and narrow down your options:

1. Self-reflection: Consider what subjects or topics you enjoy the most in school. Reflect on your strengths, interests, and values. Think about what you're passionate about outside of school as well, such as hobbies or volunteer work. This can point you in the direction of careers that might be a good fit for you.

2. Research: Do some research on various careers that align with your interests and strengths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource to learn about a wide range of professions, including required education, job outlook, and median salaries.

3. Job shadowing: Reach out to professionals in careers that interest you and ask if you can shadow them for a day or even just for a few hours. This will give you a better idea of what their day-to-day work looks like and help you determine whether it's a field you might enjoy.

4. Informational interviews: Arrange informational interviews with professionals in your potential career fields. Prepare a list of questions in advance to get insight into their experiences, how they entered their field, and any advice they may have for someone looking to follow a similar path.

5. Extracurricular activities: Get involved in clubs, volunteer work, or internships related to your potential career interests. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and build a network of contacts in the field.

6. Career assessments: Take career assessment tests, such as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, Holland Code, or other career aptitude tests. These tests can offer suggestions for careers that might suit you based on your personality, values, and interests.

7. Counseling: Consider meeting with your school counselor or a career counselor for guidance. They can help you assess your interests and skills and point you in the direction of potential career paths.

8. Post-secondary planning: As you begin to explore colleges or other post-secondary education options, take note of the programs and majors that attract you. This can provide further insight into potential career paths.

Remember that it's okay to not have everything figured out yet. As you progress through high school and beyond, you'll continue to learn more about yourself, your interests, and your goals, which will help inform your career choices. Keep an open mind and stay curious—your future career path will begin to take shape over time. Good luck!