8 Ways to Explore Career Options

Last updated September 3, 2025

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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.

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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.

Intern and volunteer

Gaining firsthand experience in the career or industry you’re interested in goes a long way! Not only will this experience help you determine if this career path is the right fit for you, it will also be an extremely valuable addition to your resume. Read our guide on finding jobs and internships in college and learn how to find your next volunteer opportunity.

Take a career assessment test

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.

Do you have any questions about jobs, careers, or exploring career options? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Working After High School: Requirements, Resources and Options

Last updated February 2, 2026

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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!

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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.

  • Look into workforce development programs that offer training and job placement assistance.

  • 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.

Do you have any questions about finding a job after high school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Building A Professional Network

Last updated June 25, 2026

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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. 

Do you have any questions or need some support as you start to grow your network? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Create Your First Resume

Last updated June 24, 2026

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Whether you’re applying for jobs and internships or building your college applications, a strong resume can go a long way! In this article, we’ll show you how to create your first resume and highlight the essential information that goes in each section. 

Need some feedback on your resume? Submit it to us for free review! We’ll have it back to you within a week with personalized feedback.

Contact information 

These are the things that should be included on your resume: 

  • Full name
  • City and state (you don’t need to list your full address) 
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • LinkedIn profile (if you have one)

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: 

Work and volunteer experience 

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!

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Do you have any questions about building a resume? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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In-Demand Jobs & Industries That Are Hiring Now

Last updated September 16, 2025

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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. 

Do you have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How To Build Your Job Search Plan

Last updated September 16, 2025

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If you’re interested in finding a job or internship, there are a few steps you can take to get organized and start your search with confidence. In this piece, we’ll break down how to build a job search plan that sets you up for success!

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Determine the type of job you want

Before you start your search, think about the type of job you want and the kind of work you enjoy doing. If you’re a student or have responsibilities that take up a large portion of your time, perhaps a part-time job may work best for you. If you’re attending a trade/vocational school or need some hands-on experience to advance your career, maybe an internship or an apprenticeship is a good fit! Regardless of the type of opportunity you’re looking for, it’s important to take some time to consider what’s going to be the best fit for you, your schedule, and your obligations.

Prepare your resume

An applicant’s resume is their first impression on potential employers, so having one that’s organized, has active language, and highlights their skills and accomplishments is essential. In fact, a great resume can help an applicant stand out from the rest of the crowd! Some job seekers may be unsure of what they can include on their resume, especially if they have no previous work experience. However, we’re here to assure you that there’s lots of great things you can include on your resume that will show employers how unique you are!

Perhaps you speak a second language. Maybe you babysit kids in your neighborhood on the weekends. You may even be a member of a school club that volunteers together. These are all excellent things to include on your resume that show employers you’re responsible, proactive, and can work with others! Don’t sell yourself short–reflect on the things you’re proud of and add them to your resume.

Start creating your resume today by using one of our free resume templates. Already have a resume and want some feedback on it? Send it to us for free review! We’ll have it back to you within a week with actionable tips and guidance.

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!

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Secure your references

Professional references are people in your network (bosses, coworkers, coaches, supervisors, mentors, etc.) who can speak positively about your skills and qualifications to potential employers. When applying, some companies will require you to list references that they’ll reach out to so they can learn more about you and your experience. Be sure to give someone a head’s up if you listed them as a reference. Not only is this the professional thing to do, but it can give your references some extra time to prepare to talk to employers about how awesome you are! Read more about asking for job references. 

Draft a cover letter

While not every job you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter, doing so anyways can help you stand out from other candidates. An effective cover letter should explain your interest in the position you’re applying for and highlight the skills and experience that make you the best candidate. We recommend drafting a basic cover letter that highlights your experience and skills and tailoring it to each position you apply for.

Ready to search? Here are some great places to start:

Brush up on your interview skills

It’s never too early to start preparing for job interviews! Across companies and industries, there will be some standard job interview questions you can expect to be asked. Brush up on your answers to those and be sure to prepare a list of your own questions to ask employers during your interview to learn more about the company. 

Need some support as you prepare for a job interview? Use our free Interview Coach! Just click the image below to get started. 

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Stay persistent

Applying for jobs takes persistence and follow-through, and it’s easy to feel discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers. However, we want to remind you not to give up! Every job application or interview builds persistence and a growth mindset—both of which are skills you will use throughout your career. Keep going, stay open to feedback, and trust that the right opportunity is out there for you!

Do you need some more tips to prepare for your job search? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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