According to the NSHSS 2022 Career Interest Survey, 82% of Gen-Z respondents expect to engage in an internship to develop their skills. However, many students struggle to seamlessly transition into their roles in the workforce due to a lack of experience in personal and professional development.
There are many ways to prepare for your career. Most people don't just wake up one day and know what they want to do with their lives, it takes time and effort to determine what you're interested in and good at. Finding a career that's a good fit for your personality, interests and aptitude is essential. Once you have a general idea, it's crucial to start preparing for your future career.
Develop the skills and experience necessary to pursue your chosen career
When you're ready to start your job search, you'll need more than just a resume. You'll need the right skills and experience for any job in order to succeed. Work ahead to develop the skills specific to your chosen career, as well as your soft skills, so you are ready when the time comes. Doing so will give you a competitive edge in the market and help you land your dream job.
Increase your chance of success
Preparing for your future career will increase your chance of success. Take the time to explore internship or job shadowing opportunities to get a true feel for the field you’re interested in and gain hands-on experience. Find a mentor to guide you. You'll be setting yourself up for a successful future.
Make informed decisions about your future career
One of the most critical aspects of career preparation is research. By taking the time to learn about different jobs, you can make informed decisions about your future. You'll be able to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which one is right for you.
NSHSS can help you prepare for your future career
Career preparation is a necessary process that can help you in many ways. By taking the time to explore your options, develop essential skills and set realistic goals, you'll be one step closer to achieving success in your chosen field.
The NSHSS Intern Readiness Certificate Program helps students develop the soft skills they need for their transition to an internship or new job through a 10-week online course. The interactive content and roundtables with industry leaders cover specific topics that have been deemed by experts to be important for professional success. The topics covered in this program include Core Values, Ownership Conviction, Critical Thinking, Managing Priorities, Communication, Presence, Inclusiveness, Leadership, Relationships and Managing Difficulties. At the completion of the course, students receive a program certificate and will be able to carry their new knowledge into the working world.
Questions?
NSHSS was founded in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, to acknowledge the accomplishments of diverse high school and college students who have demonstrated outstanding academic success, leadership, and community commitment, and to foster their continued success.NSHSS scholars, many of whom are already DECA members and vice-versa, have a significant interest in pursuing careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and business. More than 34%* of NSHSS members indicate an interest in these career fields.Together, NSHSS and DECA have a shared vision to support students in achieving their academic and professional development goals. A key attribute of both NSHSS and DECA scholars is diversity of culture, ethnicity, religion, and thought. Both organizations support strong academics and aspire to prepare young leaders and entrepreneurs for their future careers.