| Consider the
following…To get to where you want to go in life, you have
to take the first step! There is no magic formula for success in
life and it all depends on decisions you make everyday…hopefully,
well thought out, good decisions that are best for you!
It is never too early in life to start researching
careers and college programs! The following are some basic steps
to consider and some helpful hints as you start to formulate a career
plan…
1. Think about what you
want in a career based on your interests, abilities, and things
that are important to you.
Hints: List out your interests, abilities, and things that are important
to you using pencil and paper and just a little time. Take some
time to consider your list compared to your career interests…you
may want to discuss your list and thoughts with your parent or trusted
mentor. Ask your guidance counselor about the Myers Briggs or the
Strong Campbell Career Inventory Tests. Both tests are readily available,
very easy to take, and are extremely helpful “interest inventory”
type tools to use.
2. Talk to your parents
or guardian, teachers, trusted mentor, or others about your dreams
for the future.
Hints: Remember, everyone has an opinion and it’s ok if you
don’t necessarily agree. Keep in mind, a lot of these folks
do have life experiences to share with you and can help you avoid
some of the “pitfalls”. Listen to all the feedback you
receive from others and take time to give more thought to the “pros
and cons” of the career/life decisions you are making!
3. Explore your career
options using these great resources on-line!
Hints: Great place to start exploring career/college options is
the Georgia Career Information
Center site which is one of the best! [Go
to this site and click on the Georgia Career Information System
(GCIS). For the Valdosta Tech Prep Area, you will need to type in
the username “techprep” and the password “gcis420”
to enter GCIS.] Other great resources to go to are Georgia
Dept of Labor, Education
Go Get It!, and GA College
411. If you need help with locating or using these great on-line
resources ask your high school guidance counselor and/or contact
your area Tech Prep Coordinator, Bill Tillman at (229)219-1379 or
e-mail
Try Job Shadowing! Make
arrangements through your teacher, guidance counselor, and parent
or guardian to spend some time shadowing someone in the career field(s)
that interest you most…there is nothing more helpful in the
career decision process than firsthand, on-the-job experience! You
don’t have time to job shadow? Try some of the on-line virtual
job shadowing resources now available on the internet such as www.jobshadow.org
4. Map out the education/training
pathway you need to reach your career goal!
Hints: Determine the postsecondary educational requirements and
training needed for your chosen career area. Consult resources such
as GCIS, college admissions offices, websites & catalogs, and
talk to your high school guidance counselor and parents or guardian.
Plan your high school courses to meet the postsecondary requirements
for your career choice...again, talk to your guidance counselor
and parents or guardian!
“You miss 100% of the shots you
never take!” – Wayne Gretzky, NHL Hall of Famer
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