Career Planning – High School Students

Welcome to the Rutgers University pre-college career planning site!  This site may help you generate some tentative ideas for college majors and future career plans.

"I would say that I was very concerned or rather worried about my future career, but after going through all of this information, I feel better equipped and assured that I'll make the right choice, whatever it is I choose."
—12th grade site user, Atlantic City High School, New Jersey

"This site was very useful in helping me affirm my decision to pursue a career in nursing. Thank you!"
—12th grade site user, Columbia High School, Mississippi

"I'm not exactly sure what I want to do yet but this website has helped me a lot with choosing my career. Thank you."
—11th grade site user, Brick Township High School, New Jersey

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Career Planning Overview

Many high school students think that career planning is something that begins once they have entered college. On the contrary, career planning is a process that begins before high school, and most naturally should continue into the college years. Career planning, in fact, is an ongoing process that allows you to rethink and reevaluate yourself and your career options as you have experiences, and as you grow and develop.

At the high school level, perhaps the best way of starting is to begin the process of self-exploration. Self-exploration allows you to think about your:

• Skills and abilities
• Interests
• Personal priorities
• Training and education
• Life experiences
  
   

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Why Career Planning in High School?

The career planning needs of high school students differ from those of college students. During the high school years, you should get to know yourself. Now is the time to learn about who you are, and what you are good at. How can you do that? Below are some activities that will help:
 

• Take lots of classes to learn subjects, strengths and interests.
• Learn to develop new skills through classes, clubs, activities, etc.
• Begin to explore career options. Talk to advisors, counselors, teachers, parents, and friends. Do some research into careers that interest you.
• Find part-time jobs or voluntary experiences which allow you to try different career areas.
  
   

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Getting Started

There are five components to this online career planning site:

As you move through this site from Step 1 through Step 5, we will help you learn about college majors and what they might mean for your future. During your career exploration, share this information with your parents. Schedule an appointment with a counselor or teacher. Talk about it with your friends.

When you complete a section, move on to the next section. You might want to print out your information and keep it in a folder to look at later.

This site is based on John Holland's theory and research. His work and that of his publisher, Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc. is copyrighted. For a more complete career assessment based on John Holland's ideology take the Self-Directed Search online.

Click here to learn more about the authors and resources involved with the development of this site.

• Assess Yourself
  Learn about your interests and preferences by completing an inventory.
   
• Generate Options
  Identify Rutgers University majors and general career options that relate to your interests.
   
• Gather Information
  Learn more about specific Rutgers University majors, such as academic requirements and jobs related to each major. Get career information such as job descriptions, salary, and outlook.
   
• Make a Decision
  Review the decision-making process and determine the status of your decision.
   
• Take the Next Step
  Identify the steps you need to take to move forward with your academic and career plans.