How students can start preparing for business success

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.