High school students need direction as much as any students and some of them already have a clear idea of what they want to do with their adult life. Some of them are so determined to get onto their career path that nothing is going to stop them. And some of them aren’t, some students need some inspiration and guidance to realise their dreams. High schools can potentially provide helpful and practical advice to students wanting to find or follow a career path.
Appointing a school careers adviser is essential, whether this is an existing member of staff or someone is brought in for a couple of days a week the students need somebody that they can talk to and someone that can give them advice. They need to know that this person knows what they are talking about and will listen. The adviser should be given adequate training so that they are better equipped to deal with each student’s needs.
Taking student’s seriously is something that a career adviser should always do; far too often students are discouraged from following their dreams because the school’s career adviser deems them unrealistic. If a student has a clear and positive career path in mind then every effort should be made to encourage them to follow it. For example if a child says that they want to be an astronaut then they should not be told not to be “silly” they should be told the things they need to study in order to achieve that goal. Nurturing students is the only way to help them reach their potential.
For those that do not have a clear career oath they should be reassured that it is completely normal. Millions of adults all over the world still do not know what they want to do with their lives. But the careers adviser should try to establish what strengths the student has by talking to them and asking them what they are good at and what they like doing. Looking at their grades will also give the adviser a good idea of how a student thinks and where their skills lie.
Career days are a great way for schools to help students choose a profession, having people from al different kinds of careers will inspire students and give them the chance to see what life in that career is really like.
Career advice can help a student realise their potential and it can get them on the path to a rewarding and brilliant career.