1. w/ proper planning Sturdy

2.  A series of career related tools designed to help you explore career options.  NOT meant to be stressful.  Hopefully, you’ll actually enjoy the activities.  Take these upcoming activities seriously.  Seriously, you should.

3.  Changes, depending on your stage in life.  …For high school students:  Learn about yourself.  Learn about your interests.  Learn about what’s possible.

4.  Strengths vs…. “not-strengths”  Everyone has certain things they are better at than others.  Looking at fields where your skills are an asset is a great place to start.  This doesn’t mean you can’t have success in a career that doesn’t utilize your strengths.  It does mean you should at least be aware of that fact.  Know yourself  Consider how much risk you are comfortable with.  Work for a company, or plan to start your own business?  Careers in high demand, or are you OK with more competition?

5.  What do you like to learn about?  Explore what it is about a subject or class you enjoy.  Is it the topics covered, what you read, class discussions?  Certain careers may help you continue doing similar things.  Pursuing your interests can lead to overall career satisfaction.  … But, do be aware that your interests may change over time.  Try to learn about all careers, and keep an open mind.

6.  Anything! No, really…  We are talking about the early stages of preparing for your career.  Of course, start with what you like to do, and what your good at.  … but DON’T get discouraged if nothing stands out yet.  You have time to grow into who you will become as an adult.  With that said…  Don’t blindly assume things will just “work out.”  You may need to take action now in order to reach your goal.  You can’t adjust something you aren’t aware of, so do your research!

7.  Do your research  Act on what you know now, and put in the effort to explore.  I.E., if you want a job in high demand, that information IS out there.  Hint, hint, hint… look right!  Please don’t become stressed about this; you are not expected to “pick” your career anytime soon.  Simply learn, and become aware.

8.  Career Plan will introduced in February.  Strengths Explorer  help uncover your talents and reveal your potential strengths  Cluster Finder  help you find out what career fields (clusters) may be a good match for you based on activities that interest you, personal qualities that you have, and classes that you enjoy studying in school.  Interest Profiler  help you discover different activities and careers that match your interests

9.  Meet with your counselor to further explore!  Ms. Dallam and Mr. Curtis can help you use your Career Plan results.  Program Planning is coming soon; this information can also help you choose your classes for next year.  Keep your ears open, and ask questions when something captures your interest!  For access to some of the information discussed in this presentation, view this Occupational Outlook Handbook article: http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career- planning-for-high-schoolers.htm http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career- planning-for-high-schoolers.htm