The Career Development Process involves the completion of a variety of activities geared to help students determine or confirm their desired life direction. This is the initial action that must be taken in order to select an appropriate career or college major.

The greatest challenge and the greatest need for career development programs occur at the high school level. The need is that graduation plans dictate certain educational selections that require guided reflection and decision-making. Your CDCs are available to help all students through the career development process.

Step 1:  Get to Know Yourself

• Identify interest, strengths, values, traits, and ambitions

Step 2:  Exploring Options

• Research careers that align with interests
• Understand trends within the industry
• Research education and training requirements

Step 3:  Get Focused

• Make decisions and set goals
• Develop an action plan

Step 4:  Take Action

• Prepare resume
• Connect with employers
• Gain experience through work-based learning
• Refine workplace skills
• Reflect 

 

Entering the Workforce after High School

If you have decided to get a job immediately after high school, you will need to:

• Find out what kinds of jobs are currently available.

• Develop some very necessary job-finding and job-keeping skills.

• Talk to your Career Development Coordinator, for more information.  They can help you learn more about job training, apprenticeships, job shadowing, job opportunities, and more!

• Adapt your resume to reflect the needs of the potential job. Identify skills you possess that the company has in the job posting.