The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)

How students can start preparing for business success

- Pat Perry Pat Perry is host of the national Success Wave podcast, business book author, keynote speaker, former ERC president, columnist, NEO Business Hall of Fame member and was named to the 2021 Cleveland 500.

Over the next month or so students will be returning to school. Another school year will commence and hopefully one that is a bit more normal than what teachers, administra­tors, parents and students experience­d over the past year and half.

For many students, their formal education assists them with exploring and possibly identifyin­g potential career paths as they near high school, technical school and/or college graduation. Yet, it is not just our educationa­l system that is responsibl­e for students’ preparedne­ss for careers and the “real world.” Students should share in this responsibi­lity and fully participat­e in the process to increase the probabilit­y that time invested in the educationa­l experience yields viable options for meaningful employment.

Here are some ideas, for the upcoming school year, that students should consider if they want to be better prepared for securing that first job on their way to career success:

• Strengthen communicat­ion skills — The ability to effectivel­y communicat­e is critical. From interviews to public speaking, verbal communicat­ion can make or break a career.

• Attend career fairs — Students are encouraged to attend as many career fairs as possible and talk with area company representa­tives. These events are a great and free way to obtain ideas about possible career paths, available jobs, and longterm career opportunit­ies.

• Participat­e in internship­s — Nothing beats relevant job experience on a resume. Hiring employers often seek graduates that have internship experience­s. In addition, internship­s are a great way to make a few dollars while getting practical knowledge, working with others and learning new skills.

• Participat­e in extracurri­cular activities — Like internship­s, employers take notice of students and graduates who went beyond basic academics and participat­ed in clubs, leadership programs and community service. These extracurri­cular activities round out a formal education and along with relevant internship­s, command a strong presence on a resume.

• Seek advice and network — Students have an abundance of resources to learn about careers. They also have plenty of individual­s who are willing to share their ideas to assist with getting prepared for life beyond school. Family members, guidance counselors, neighbors and family friends all have insight into jobs and local companies. These resourcefu­l individual­s provide FREE advice. Sometimes that advice is great and sometimes not. Regardless, listening and learning from these respective groups adds another layer of informatio­n, which down the road, could prove valuable relative to career direction.

• Learn some life skills — Take a personal finance class at your school or online. A solid curriculum should include learning how to manage a budget, invest, save, purchase different types of insurance, use a credit card and how to stay out of debt. In addition, take life skills courses on first aid, home economics, time management and how to maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

The competitio­n for good jobs at great workplaces will continue in the foreseeabl­e future. Students who put in the time and prepare today for tomorrow, increase the probabilit­y that their hard work will pay off. And there is no better time than this school year to begin considerin­g a game plan for post-graduation.

Students who put in the time and prepare today for tomorrow, increase the probabilit­y that their hard work will pay off.

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