With many career options and pathways to choose from, you may be unsure of where or how to start exploring ones that interest you. Taking some time for career exploration can help you feel better prepared to apply for jobs and internships, choose a college major, and decide on a career path that aligns with your passions! Below, we share eight ways to explore career options.
Watch career videos from The Way
There are many paths to finding a fulfilling career! Our video series, The Way, highlights stories from people in a variety of careers and industries. From being a chocolate maker to a news anchor, there’s a career story that can help you find your way! You can explore stories based on specific career paths that interest you or by the experience level of the person sharing their story.
Think of careers as stepping stones
Did you know that the average person changes careers at least twice in their life? Just because you start out as an accountant doesn’t mean you can’t try a career as a social media strategist, writer, chef, nurse, or filmmaker! When it comes to careers, nothing is permanent. If you think of your career as a stepping stone, you can stay open to exploring new interests and talents throughout it. The key is to stay curious!
Make a career plan
Try sketching out a simple plan for your desired career path(s) and the steps you may need to take to get there. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you make your plan:
What educational requirements may I need to fulfill?
What job, volunteer, or internship experience do I need?
Who do I know already established in this career that I can talk to?
Does this career path align with my values and interests?
Will I be happy in this career?
It’s important to remember that your answers to these questions when you’re 16 may be different from when you’re 26. Coming back to this kind of self-reflection frequently is a great way of keeping in touch with what matters to you.
Consider your strengths and passions
Everyone has strengths and passions! Do you enjoy working with children or the elderly? Are you analytical and love solving problems? Have you always enjoyed building things and working with your hands? No matter what your passions and strengths are, there’s most definitely a career or job connected to them. By taking some time to consider these things, you can research careers from the heart with clearer goals in mind!
Hold informational interviews
Informational interviews are one of the best ways to learn more about the career or industry you’re interested in, directly from a person who’s working in it. You can ask someone you already know or reach out to a person whose job interests you on LinkedIn to request an informational interview with them. Informational interviews are typically brief and give the interviewer a chance to ask the person they’re interviewing all about their job, education, and career path. Holding informational interviews can help you narrow down potential career paths and decide if one you were interested in is still the right fit for you.
Seek mentorship
A mentor is someone typically in the same career as you that can provide advice, guidance, and connections to others in that career. A good mentor will give you advice when you need it, hold you accountable so you’re making progress toward your goals, and encourage you to keep going during challenging times. You can ask someone you hold an informational interview with if they’re open to being your mentor, or connect with someone on LinkedIn who is open to mentoring. There are also organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or MENTOR that offer resources in your community.
Career assessment tests can be found online, typically for free. These assessments can help you identify your strengths, personality traits, and interests to match you to possible careers you might excel in. We recommend the free career assessment from IndigoPathway because it’s quick and focuses on building from your motivations and strengths! Even if you don’t think the career options are a good match, they can help you begin your career exploration.
Attention Oregon high school students! Promise programs can be found across the country, and while they may vary in eligibility and application requirements, they all share one common goal: to make college more affordable for the students in their community! In this article, we share what you should know about the Oregon Promise Grant.
What is The Oregon Promise Grant?
The Oregon Promise Grant is a statewide grant that helps recent high school graduates and GED test graduates in Oregon pay for tuition at any community college across the state. Students must apply for the Oregon Promise Grant during their senior year or immediately after GED test completion.
Why Should I Apply For The Oregon Promise Grant?
The Oregon Promise Grant provides a great opportunity for students attending community college to receive their associate degree or earn enough credits to transfer to a four-year college to receive their bachelor’s degree. Because the Oregon Promise is a grant, this money is free–meaning it doesn’t need to be repaid! This can significantly cut down your costs while you pursue your college goals. For the 2025-2026 academic year, eligible students could receive between $2,202 and $4,584 in aid.
Who Qualifies For The Oregon Promise Grant? Am I Eligible?
Here are some eligibility requirements for the Oregon Promise Grant:
Be a recent high school or GED test graduate.
Have a cumulative high school GPA higher than 2.0, or a 145 grade on all GED tests.
Live in Oregon for at least 12 months before starting college (if you are a dependent student, your parent(s) must also live in Oregon).
Have no more than 90 college credits attempted or completed.
Attend an Oregon community college by your required start term.
To be eligible for most forms of federal, state, and institutional financial aid (like scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study) for college, you must first complete the FAFSA. If you’re a current or incoming college student in Oregon, it’s important to know that state financial aid (including grants) is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that the sooner you complete the FAFSA, the higher chance you’ll have of receiving aid for college. With this in mind, here are some Oregon state grants you may be eligible to receive by completing the FAFSA!
This grant is awarded to students with financial need attending community college in Oregon. For the 2025-2026 academic year, eligible students could receive between $2,202 and $4,584 in aid.
This grant is available to students of any age with financial need at any private or public institution in Oregon. For the 2025-2026 academic year, eligible full-time students could receive:
Between $1,182 and $4,272 at a community college
Between $1,452 and $5,964 in a BAS program at a community college
Between $1,740 and $7,800 at a four-year college or university
This grant is available to college students enrolled in one of nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. Awards vary depending on where eligible students attend college and the type of degree they’re pursuing.
Current or former foster care youth in Oregon are eligible to receive this grant. For the 2025-2026 academic year, eligible students could receive up to $5,000.
This grant is available to dependents of public safety officers in Oregon who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. The maximum amount of aid a student can receive through this grant is $13,000 per academic year.
This grant is available to current Oregon National Guard members at both two- and four-year colleges in Oregon. Awards will vary based on the type of college a student attends and their eligibility for other military tuition assistance.
Parents enrolled in a two- or four-year college in Oregon are eligible for this grant. Awards will vary based on a variety of factors, but the maximum amount is $10,000 per academic year.
Attention Oregon students! We have what you need to know about the ORSAA, a financial aid application that can help you pay for college! Read below to learn more.
What is the ORSAA?
The ORSAA, or the Oregon Student Aid Application, is an alternative to the FAFSA for Oregon residents that are undocumented, have DACA, and/or Temporary Protective Status (TPS). It’s similar to the FAFSA because it makes students eligible to receive financial aid for college.
Should I complete the FAFSA or ORSAA?
Read more about FAFSA and ORSAA eligibility. Generally, students who have a Social Security number and/or U.S. permanent residence or citizenship should complete the FAFSA. Students who are undocumented, have DACA, and/or TPS should complete the ORSAA.
Each year, the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) in Oregon awards more than $10 million in scholarships to Oregon students. They have compiled everything into one centralized location: the OSAC Scholarship Application. We’re here to help Oregon students complete this application and increase their chances of receiving financial aid for college!
Am I eligible to apply for OSAC scholarships?
Here are eligibility requirements for OSAC scholarships:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens.
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, GED recipients, first-time college freshmen, undergraduate, or graduate students during the current academic year.
Do I need to submit an essay or personal statement with my application?
Possibly. Individual scholarship programs have their own essay requirements. Make sure to review the requirements of any scholarships you’re interested in to see if they require any supplemental written materials. The OSAC Scholarship Application has a 1,900 character limit for each personal statement submitted (including spaces). Any personal statements over this limit will be cut off when added to the application form.
Ready to submit your scholarship essays for free review and feedback?
When is the OSAC scholarship deadline?
The 2026-2027 OSAC Scholarship Application opens on November 1, 2025. The early bird deadline is February 17, 2026 and the final deadline is March 2, 2026. Both applications are due at 11:59 PST.
What can I do to improve my chances of receiving a scholarship?
Closely read and follow all the instructions.
Make sure to have someone review any essays or personal statements you’re submitting.
Don’t forget to submit your FAFSA or ORSAA before the OSAC Application’s deadline. The sooner, the better!
How do I start my application?
Create an OSAC account and select the Scholarship Application button. Before the deadline, submit your final application, including all required documents such as transcripts, personal statements/essays, and supplemental questions.
While long-term studies show that higher education increases the likelihood of completing a degree and achieving long-term career success, we recognize that some students may choose a different path, such as entering the workforce. If you’re considering finding a job after high school, use the resources we list below to make an informed decision about your future.
Why students enter the workforce immediately
Some common reasons for entering the workforce right after high school may include:
Immediate financial need – The urgency to earn money quickly is real for many students.
Burnout from school – After years of education, some students feel exhausted and need a break.
Uncertainty about career goals – College is a significant investment, and not knowing what to study can make the decision overwhelming.
Gap years – Some students may take a gap year to work and save money or explore different careers.
It’s okay if you want to take a break from school or pivot in a new direction—sometimes, life circumstances change, or you simply need time to reassess your goals. However, having at least a general idea of your long-term plan is crucial. A clear direction helps you stay motivated, make informed decisions, and avoid feeling stuck. Employers and industries value experience and consistency, so having a roadmap—whether it’s a degree, certification, or skill-building—can keep you on track for career growth. Flexibility is important, but without a plan, it’s easy to lose momentum or miss opportunities that align with your future goals.
What you need to apply for jobs
Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you have these essential documents:
Resume – A clear summary of your skills, education, and experience.
Cover letter – A brief letter explaining why you’re interested in the job and what you can bring to the role.
References – Contacts who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.
Creating your first resume? Use one of our templates! Need a second opinion on your resume before sending it to employers? Send it to us for a FREE resume review!
Need help building your resume?
Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you! After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!
Job search strategies
Finding a job after high school requires strategic planning. Consider the following:
Utilize job boards and career websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and local city and state job resources.
Network with family, friends, and school counselors who may have job leads.
Research industries with high-growth potential in your area, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or technology.
The reality of career advancement without a degree
While it is possible to build a career without a college degree, certain barriers exist:
Many high-paying jobs require certifications or specialized training.
Career growth opportunities may be slower without formal education.
Some industries have limited advancement opportunities for those without degrees.
Jumping into the workforce may seem like the best option now, but think about the long-term payoff. A degree or certification often leads to higher wages, greater job stability, and increased autonomy in your career. If you need to work right away, consider employers who offer tuition reimbursement or opportunities for advancement.
It’s important to note that a degree is not the only path to a successful career. Many industries value skills, experience, and determination just as much—if not more—than formal education!
Finding good-paying jobs without a degree
If college isn’t in your immediate plans, look for jobs that offer stability and growth potential:
Union jobs – Employers like Safeway and Fred Meyer provide benefits like tuition reimbursement and health insurance.
Apprenticeships and trade jobs – Fields like electrical work, plumbing, and construction offer strong earning potential with proper training.
Entry-level corporate jobs – Companies in retail, customer service, and administrative roles sometimes offer opportunities for advancement.
Healthcare support roles – Jobs like medical assistants or pharmacy technicians require certifications and minimal college but offer room for growth.
Your path, your success
No matter the route you take, success is built through continous learning, adaptability, and perseverance. Whether through traditional education, hands-on experience, or self-directed learning, there are many ways to achieve your career goals.
Final thoughts
No matter your path, the key is to keep learning and growing. Whether through work experience, trade certifications, or eventually pursuing a degree, investing in yourself is the best way to build a stable and rewarding career.
Attention, Oregon students! Here are some scholarships we think you should know about.
Disclaimer: Get Schooled never shares or sells your personal information and aims to feature only scholarships that uphold the same standard. However, some scholarship websites or organizations on this list may share or sell your information to third parties. We encourage you to be intentional about the scholarships you apply to and mindful of the information you provide. Learn more about finding college scholarships.
Looking for more? We have lots of resources to help you in your scholarship search!
Find Oregon and national scholarships with upcoming deadlines on the Oregon Goes to College Scholarship Calendar. You can filter results to find ones that fit your needs including Oregon-specific vs national, scholarships for undocumented students, and any keywords you have in mind.
This scholarship awards community, technical, or trade college scholarships to women pursuing transportation-related study at community and trade colleges.
Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship // WTS
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship is available to women pursuing undergraduate studies in transportation or a related field.
The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon’s largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associates degree or bachelor’s degree at an eligible public or private institution are eligible to apply. Must be an Oregon resident for at least one year prior to applying. Undocumented students, including DACA students, may be eligible. Must submit FAFSA or ORSAA.
National CPR Foundation Healthcare and Education Scholarship Program // National CPR Foundation
Amount: $500
Deadline: Monthly; see website for more details
Incoming and current college students who are at least 18 years of age and have a minimum GPA of 2.8 are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be currently or planning to be enrolled in school majoring in a healthcare or education-related field. Applicants must submit a 500- to 750-word essay describing what motivates them in their career aspirations, and why they want to pursue or are currently studying for a healthcare or education-related degree.
LGBTQ+ students who are accepted to or enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Financial need will not be considered.
Graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students in the United States who demonstrate ambition, diligence, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit a maximum 500 word essay answering the following prompt: “Imagine yourself 10 years in the future after having graduated college and living the life of your dreams: find a listing on RealtyHop you picture yourself living in and write what your favorite room or feature is on the listing and why it is important to your future life. Please provide a link to the listing. Finalists may have an opportunity to be featured on our blog.”
Applicants to this scholarship must be enrolled in high school, university, or college as a full-time student. Must submit a 750-word essay answering the following questions:
What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?
What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?
Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?
What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?
Applicants must be majoring in civil, electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering at a four-year Oregon university that offers an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Must be a graduating high school senior with a GPA of at least 3.30.
Missed the deadline for any of these scholarships? Be sure to bookmark this page to check again next year!
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university for fall 2026. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and submit an essay answering the following prompt: “How have you exhibited a commitment to inclusion and strengthening your community through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”
This scholarship is available to Asian high school seniors and current college students who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S. and have at least a 3.5 GPA. Applicants must submit a video presentation showcasing their work and qualifications.
This scholarship is open to Asian high school seniors and current college students who are/will be pursuing a major in the performing and visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications. Applicants must be citizens, national or legal permanent residents of the U.S., and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Students ages 17 years or older who plan to start a program of higher education within the next 12 months or who are currently enrolled in a program of higher education are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be citizens or residents of the U.S. and write a 150-word statement answering the following prompt: “What is your primary goal for going to school?”
This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and residents 14 years or older. Applicants must submit a maximum 250-word essay answering the following prompt: “May is the fifth month of the year. Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or be funny. Either way, here’s a high five to you for being original.”
Students from Marion, Benton, Linn, or Lane County are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, pass a background check, and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Amount: Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Must “show proven excellence in extracurricular activities, be motivated leaders with a strong work ethic, demonstrate active participation in community service and/or civic minded arenas.” Must submit two letters of recommendation.
This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens. Applicants must create a 5-minute “unboxing” video of their life that showcases their originality and unique personality, as well as provide a 250-word biography with their application video.
“You Can’t Label People, but You Can Label Products” Scholarship // Sttark
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: April 30, 2026
This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt: “You can’t label people, but you can label products,” as well as design their own label related to their essay that belongs on a product, but not a person. In addition to their essay and label design, applicants must submit a 250-word biography about themselves.
This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. residents. Applicants must submit a 600-800 word essay about their personal experiences with ideas about free speech, curiosity, and open-mindedness in their everyday lives.
Disabled students who plan on enrolling in higher education (community college, four-year universities, etc.) for the 2026-2027 academic year can apply to Incight’s annual scholarship. Must live in Oregon, Washington, or California. Award amounts vary.
Applicants must be Oregon residents who will be attending an accredited Oregon college or trade school during the 2026-2027 academic year, demonstrate community leadership/volunteerism, and have proof of financial need.
Female high school seniors in Washington, Clackamas, or Clark Counties who plan to start college the fall after high school and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
This scholarship is available to high school seniors who need assistance paying for college. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). Must be planning to study engineering, computer science, or business in college. Must have a high school GPA of 3.0 and higher.
High school seniors are eligible for this scholarship. Must be planning to major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field. Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must be high school seniors of African descent with plans to pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs. Must demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and higher. Must submit one letter of recommendation, a transcript, and a maximum 500-word essay.
High school seniors who plan to attend a vocational school or college to pursue a career in STEAM are eligible for this scholarship. Students must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and individuals entering their freshman year of college during the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must have at least a 3.7 GPA and demonstrate outstanding personal achievements, academic merit, leadership qualities and/or community service. Must submit letters of reference and personal statements.
This scholarship is open to college students in their sophomore through senior year. Applicants must have financial need and be actively pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field with an engineering focus. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
The OSAC Scholarship Application provides current and future Oregon students one easy application to apply for multiple scholarships at one time. OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually through more than 600 scholarships.
Applicants must live in Oregon, be a graduating high school senior or recent high school graduate, have plans to earn a bachelor’s degree, and plan to attend college full-time at a federally financial aid-eligible public or private college.
This scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students who are currently studying or planning to study at a beauty or cosmetology school. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible. All U.S. residents and DACA recipients are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be eligible student athletes from one of 30 program high schools in Oregon. Must demonstrate financial need to attend college full-time, participate in competitive athletics, be engaged in civic involvement and demonstrate leadership in school and community activities, and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must attend one of the 30 listed 5A or 6A high schools in Oregon.
This scholarship is available to minority high school seniors and college students who are studying or plan to study in fields related to chemistry. Must be or plan to be a full-time student in an accredited college or university.
This scholarship is for Asian American and Pacific Islander students who are seeking a college degree and have a track record of involvement and interest in AAPI communities, issues, or causes. Applicants must write a maximum 1,000 word essay to be considered. Undocumented students are welcome to apply.
This scholarship is available to female high school seniors who will begin college in fall 2023 and plan to pursue one of the following majors: Broadcasting (radio/web), Communications/PR, Music Therapy, Music Technology, Music Business, Music Theory, and Music Production.
This scholarship is available to Oregon high school seniors who come from a family impacted by alcohol or drug addition. Must submit one letter of recommendation and responses to five questions or statements provided by the foundation.
Pride Foundation’s Scholarships are open to students who live in the Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington) and are planning to enroll in any kind of postsecondary education during the 2026-2027 school year.
This scholarship is available to students enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply (DACA or undocumented).
This scholarship is available to Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in areas such as education, community service, business and entrepreneurship, and media/entertainment.
This scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students with financial need. Applicants must be working part- or full-time in addition to being students to qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must write a 500-word maximum essay responding to one of the provided prompts as well as submit a link to a 2-minute video sharing your experience as a working student.
This scholarship is available to students who either grew up going to rodeos or went to one for the first time as an adult. Applicants must write a 700-1,500 word essay about the experience. Must include a photo of yourself with your essay submission. Scholarship available to students in all 50 states.
These are just some of the many scholarships available to Oregon students. Head over to our partner website – Oregon Goes to College – for an even longer list and more free money!
Whether you’re searching for your first job or internship or want to explore career paths, having a strong professional network can go a long way. Your network can help you meet new people, make professional connections, explore career paths, and maybe even land a job or internship. We share four tips for building a professional network!
Activate your network
You may not have realized it, but you already have a network! Your network can consist of anyone you’ve worked with in any setting, like bosses, coworkers, members of clubs you’re in, classmates, teammates, coaches, and educators. You can reach out to these people to support you professionally when needed. Members of your network can do things like review your resume and cover letter, connect you to jobs and internships you may be interested in, be a professional reference, mentor you, and so much more. When you’re ready to start your search for your next job or internship, be sure to activate your existing network first. It can be as easy as sending an email to let people know the types of opportunities you’re looking for, along with your resume and brag sheet. You never know what’s out there!
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a free professional networking website that can help you find jobs and internships, meet new people, and keep in touch with your network. When you create a LinkedIn profile, you can learn about new opportunities in your area and build your network by connecting with people in jobs and industries you’re interested in. LinkedIn also offers free online courses to help you gain new skills that are valuable in every career!
Join a group, club, or volunteer
One of the easiest ways to make new connections is to join a group or participate in a club, both in and outside of school. Not only will you learn new skills and find new passions that you can add to your resume, you’ll also be able to meet new people, build new relationships, and expand your professional network.
Leave your comfort zone
While your friends and people who share similar interests to you can be part of your network, every now and then it’s important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone to meet new people! To leave your comfort zone, expand your network, and learn something new, we recommend reaching out to someone on LinkedIn who has a job you’re interested in or works for a company you’d like to learn more about. Ask if they would be willing to set up an informational interview to answer any questions you have about their job, company, or industry. Not only will informational interviews teach you about different careers and job paths, the person you held the interview with is now a part of your network! Ask them if you can connect with them on LinkedIn by following up with them after your interview.
Networks are not built overnight! It takes time to build professional relationships with people, so be patient and consistent. You never know when you will need to reach out to your network for help, so keep in touch by reaching out a couple of times a year, even if it’s just to say hi.
Be sure that the email and phone number you include on your resume are consistently reliable ways to reach you so you don’t miss out on anything important! For example, it’s usually best to use your personal email over your school one so you don’t lose access to it after graduating.
Education
List the name and location (city and state) of the high school or college you are currently attending and when you anticipate graduating (month and year). If you’re using your resume for academic purposes like college applications, you may also want to include your GPA or class rank. You can also list relevant classes, courses, or workshops related to your academic or professional interests. For example, if you’re applying for a math tutor position for elementary school students, you can list your experience in relevant math classes or youth development workshops.
Extracurricular activities
When applying to both college and jobs, you can list all of your relevant extracurricular activities, especially if you have not had a lot of work experience yet. The important thing to remember is that no matter what you list, you should try to show what you specifically did and what responsibilities you had. Extracurriculars can include things like:
If you have work or volunteer experience, you can choose to separate that from your extracurricular activities as its own section. Another great title for this section could be “Professional Experience,” because whether or not you were paid doesn’t matter if you can show that the skills you gained will be an asset in your next professional or academic role. In this section, make sure to include the place(s) you’ve worked at, your job title, the date range you worked there, and a few descriptive bullet points that show what you were responsible for, what you accomplished, and the kinds of skills you demonstrated in each experience.
Achievements and awards
This section is a place to share achievements and awards you’re proud of. Whether you were promoted to captain of the tennis team, joined your school’s National Honor Society, or were awarded Volunteer of the Year at your local food bank, be sure to include it on your resume!
Skills
This is a place to list relevant skills that can be beneficial in jobs or academics. Maybe you’re savvy at Photoshop or have a typing speed of 75 words per minute. Perhaps you speak three languages fluently or know how to fix cars. Whatever your skills are, be sure to list them!
Need help building your resume?
Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you. After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!
When job searching, it’s important to know what jobs and industries are currently in high demand. This can help you understand what jobs employers are most eager to fill, and what skills you can highlight on your resume to stand out from other candidates. Here is a list of growing in-demand jobs that are hiring right now!
Note: Depending on your work experience and education, you may be able to start some positions right away (as long as you are 18+), while other positions may require additional training and certifications before you can get started.
E-commerce support jobs
Online shopping has increased significantly in the past few years, which has led companies to create thousands of new positions to help consumers get their products faster. The following positions are on the rise:
Package handlers load and unload packages, typically in warehouses. Most package handler positions are entry-level roles and don’t require any previous work experience.
Local delivery drivers deliver packages to homes and businesses. These jobs are typically available to those 18 years and older with a valid license.
Large freight drivers (semi-truck drivers) haul goods and products long distances; sometimes even across the country. These jobs are typically available to those 21 years and older with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
Digital marketing professionals
Digital marketing professionals are skilled at getting people’s attention on products and services online. Top growing jobs in this field include:
Social media specialists create content on social media to build an audience and increase customer engagement. While many employers may want a bachelor’s degree for this position, it’s generally not required, so if you can demonstrate you have the skills necessary to excel at this job, you have a chance at landing it.
Search engine optimization (SEO) specialists optimize websites in order to achieve higher search engine rankings (which equals more visits to a website). Similar to the social media specialist role, it is possible to land an SEO job without any formal training, but it will require a commitment to learning on your own and demonstrating you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the job.
Digital content creators
Digital content creators create engaging content on social media platforms to grow audiences. Formal training can come in handy for these growing jobs, but isn’t required– you just have to be able to show that you can do the job. The following are examples of in-demand digital content creation jobs:
Content coordinators organize content on a website, schedule the publication of web and social media content, and train their team on how to use a content management system.
Video editors edit raw video footage to create a final video ready for publishing. Depending on the job you are applying for, some positions do not require formal video editing training; a knowledge of how to create great videos on TikTok or Instagram along with a willingness to be adaptable and grow your skills can help you land a job without a college degree!
Health care supporting staff
The pandemic has drastically increased the need for more health care professionals. Here are some of the growing jobs you can land with just a few months of training:
Home health aides help patients with personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, and other daily tasks. Programs vary by institution, but you can earn your HHA certificate in less than four weeks.
Pharmacy technicians assist customers with getting the medications they need by measuring out and packaging medications, processing payment information, and updating medical databases. Becoming a pharmacy technician requires formal training and can be completed in a few months if you enroll in a full-time program.
Dental assistants provide patient care, take X-rays, keep dental records up to date, and schedule appointments for patients. Working as a dental assistant requires advanced training and takes about 9-11 months to complete.
Trades
Trade jobs will always be in demand! These types of jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree. Instead, they most often require a trade certification or associate degree– both of which can be attained at either a trade school or community college. Some examples of common in-demand trade jobs:
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and products that are used in homes, businesses, and factories. They repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures and identify any electrical problems. They can also work with construction workers, engineers, and architects to help design electrical systems for new buildings. Electricians typically must attend a trade school or community college to receive their certification before being hired.
Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists shampoo, cut, and color hair. They can also apply makeup or provide nail and skincare services. They work mostly in barbershops or salons, and advise clients on how to care for their hair, skin, and nails at home. People in these professions usually must first attend cosmetology school (a type of trade school) before being hired.
