Three Strategies to Prepare Teens for Life After School

With an increasingly dynamic career landscape creating awareness of jobs that didn’t exist even 10 years ago and a workforce shortage, potential employees and employers are willing to look at careers and young talent from a whole new perspective.

Consider these tips from Dr. Lorna Bryant, Gen Z career expert and head of career education for Pearson Virtual Schools, to help students explore the many options available to them and prepare for the possibilities that await after high school.

Help Kids Cultivate Durable Skills

While technology has transformed the world of work, an increasing number of careers prioritize durable skills over technical or hard skills. Durable skills (also known as “soft” or “human” skills) include collaboration, leadership, communication, and attention to detail, along with traits like empathy, grit, and resilience. According to Pearson’s Power Skills report, these are some of the most in-demand skills for employers. These skills are attractive to colleges, universities, and future employers. One of the best ways to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, many of which don’t even exist yet, is to focus on timeless, durable skills.

Many students already possess or are actively developing these skills in high school. The key is to raise awareness of their importance, seek ways to boost them and showcase them on college and job applications or resumes. For example, teens can display their leadership skills by captaining sports teams or starting a club at school. They can showcase collaboration and communication abilities by holding and thriving in student government positions, volunteering or working part-time jobs.

Bridge Passions and Hobbies to Careers

Beginning conversations with children as early as middle school that expose students to job roles, responsibilities, and salaries connected to areas of interest is important for setting them up for long-term success. Nurturing interests - rather than dismissing them as flights of fancy - and finding paths to explore that align with those hobbies or interests in real-world applications can open doors to potential careers that may not have previously been considered.

To help students align their values and interests with potential careers, ask questions such as:

• What is it, specifically, you enjoy about your interests? What jobs rely on related skills (working with your hands, serving others, being creative, etc.)?

• Do you have the skills to do those jobs? If not, what research and training do you need to acquire the necessary skillset?

• Are there related jobs available in the geographic location where you want to live?

• Can you make enough money to live the lifestyle you want doing this job?

• Can you envision enjoying this type of work for 8 (or more) hours per day?

Get a Head Start on Credentials or College Credit

Earning college credits is becoming more accessible for high school students. Dicuss what AP courses might be available through your child’s high school and explore summer programs through where they can earn credits while experiencing a college or university they may want to attend down the line. There are also online options that are that may be easier to fit into your busy teen’s schedule.

Connections Academy has expanded its slate of college and career readiness initiatives for middle and high school students to offer an innovative tri-credit approach where courses can deliver high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit toward more than 150 bachelor’s degree programs at partner universities in the United States.

For more information on online schools and career readiness programs for teens, visit ConnectionsAcademy.com.

—Family Features