Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• What is a Mentor?
• What’s the Difference Between Mentorship, Coaching, and Therapy?
• How to Find a Mentor
• Keeping in Touch with Your Mentor

Mentorship is more than a buzzword; it’s a meaningful connection that can guide you in your journey toward personal and professional growth. We’ll dive into the importance of mentorship, how to find the right mentor, and why fostering these relationships can be pivotal for your success!

What is a Mentor?

Imagine having a compass that not only guides you through uncharted territory but stays with you on your journey, helping you navigate the twists and turns along the way – that’s the role of a mentor. Whether you are in high school, about to enter college, or taking your first steps into the professional world, a mentor can provide invaluable insights and support.

Mentorship often begins in academic settings, where educators become mentors, guiding you through challenges and fostering your passions. Building relationships with your teachers and professors can lead to references and recommendations, creating a valuable network that can open doors to exciting opportunities in the future. Here are ways mentors can help you through different stages of life:

High School

In high school, mentors often show up in the form of teachers, counselors, or older students who have walked the path you’re on. These mentors get to know you over several years, witnessing your growth, interests, and aspirations. They encourage you to reach for the stars and become your guiding light through the academic maze. Building strong, lasting relationships in high school can set the stage for long-term mentorship. These mentors can provide not just guidance but also references and recommendations when the time comes to apply for college.

College

As you transition to college, mentorship takes on a new dimension. Professors and advisors become vital mentors, guiding you through higher education. They’ve known you for multiple years, and have watched you evolve academically and personally. This extended relationship allows them to offer insights and advice tailored to your journey. They help you set academic and career goals, navigate challenging courses, and explore opportunities you might have overlooked. Moreover, they become champions of your potential, writing letters of recommendation that open doors to internships, scholarships, and graduate programs.

Post-College and Beyond

As you transition into your professional journey, seasoned professionals or supervisors take on the role of mentors, drawing from their own experiences to guide your career choices. Unlike in high school or college, this stage of mentorship is often open-ended, extending for as long as you and your mentor find it valuable. Mentors help you avoid common career pitfalls, share insights into what’s happening in your field, and introduce you to valuable networking opportunities. They become your trusted advisors, supporting your growth and development in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

What’s the Difference Between Mentorship, Coaching, and Therapy?

While they may seem similar to one another, it’s important to know the differences between mentorship, coaching, and therapy. These are all important resources for you, but knowing what you need – and being able to ask for exactly what you need from someone – is key to finding the right support.

Coaching focuses on skill development and performance improvement, often in a specific area. Coaches provide structured guidance and clear plans to reach specific goals, helping you reach your full potential. Therapy, on the other hand, is centered around addressing your psychological well-being. Therapists are trained to help you navigate emotional challenges, mental health issues, and personal issues. They offer a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, providing tools and coping mechanisms to enhance your mental and emotional health.

Mentorship is like having a knowledgeable friend who gives you guidance based on their own experiences, helping you in both personal and professional aspects of life. Mentors provide a broader perspective and help you make informed decisions, both personally and professionally.

How to Find a Mentor

Identify Your Goals

Make a list of what you want from mentorship—for example, career advice, skill development, or personal growth. At the heart of successful mentorship lies a clear sense of purpose, and identifying your goals will guide you toward the ideal mentor. Are you seeking guidance to transition smoothly from high school to college? Are you interested in learning more about a particular industry? Or do you want to develop specific skills that can set you apart? Clarifying these goals up front helps you define the type of mentor you need.

Seek Common Ground

Once you’ve outlined your goals, the next step is finding a mentor who aligns with your aspirations. But where should you start on this journey? The truth is, there are caring adults all around you who can offer guidance and support. Mentors can be anyone, including teachers, relatives, family friends, local business leaders, coaches, and more. Seek people whose experiences and achievements align with your goals and aspirations. For example, if you’re interested in a specific industry, a mentor with expertise in your chosen field can provide hands-on guidance. On the other hand, if you’re looking to build a strong network, a mentor with many industry connections might be what you’re looking for.

Attend Networking Events

Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet potential mentors in person. If your school is having a career day, use that as an opportunity to meet new people who have jobs you’re interested in. Take advantage of digital resources and platforms like LinkedIn which can help you discover mentors in your industry and connect virtually. Remember, expanding your network is more than collecting business cards; it’s about forming meaningful connections. When seeking a mentor, consider programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, which matches young people with mentors who share their passions. These programs offer a personalized that matches what you want to achieve.

Initiate the Conversation

Once you’ve identified potential mentors, reach out respectfully, expressing your interest in working with them, and how you feel they might assist with your goals and aspirations. When contacting a potential mentor, express your interest in their achievements and explain how their expertise aligns with your goals. Highlight the specific areas you hope to learn from them or the connections you believe their mentorship can help you establish. Being specific not only shows your genuine interest but also assures the mentor that your engagement will be meaningful and purposeful. Mentors often feel gratified when they see the chance to really help their mentee on their journey. Be open and curious! Approach mentorship with an open mind, embrace their insights, and learn from their experiences, while allowing them to learn from you.

Keeping in Touch with Your Mentor

As life evolves, so do relationships. After you’ve graduated, moved, or lost touch, staying connected with mentors is crucial. Regularly stay in touch, share how you’re doing, and show your appreciation to keep the mentor-mentee relationship strong. Mentors often take pride in your accomplishments because it reflects the time and effort they’ve put into helping you grow.

Mentors can guide you in your path to success and empower you to reach your full potential! To learn more, check out our video series The Way: Career Stories to Find Your Way to hear personal journeys and explore career pathways. If you have any questions, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Develop transferrable career skills
• Expand your network
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Looking for your next volunteer gig?

While there are many great personal reasons to volunteer, like feeling connected to a cause, gaining perspective, and building community, there are also many great professional reasons, too! According to a 2017 federal study by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), volunteering can be a great way to gain skills that will boost your chances at finding a job in the future. According to this study, volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work compared to non-volunteers. Additionally, volunteers without a high school diploma have a 51% higher likelihood of finding employment, and volunteers living in rural areas have a 55% higher likelihood of finding employment.

Volunteering can teach you valuable career skills that are necessary in any profession, help you explore your career interests, and help you expand your network! Here are just a few benefits of volunteering. 

Develop transferrable career skills

Volunteering can be a great way to gain interpersonal and professional skills. No matter where you’re volunteering, you can learn transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative, and follow-through– all of which are necessary in any volunteer or paid position you work in the future. During your time as a volunteer, be sure to reflect on what you’ve been doing and what you’ve learned, and add both to your resume!

Expand your network

When you volunteer, the people you meet and work with can become part of your professional network. Building a strong network can help you find mentorship opportunities or even connect you to your next job! If you click with the people you’re working with, ask them to connect on LinkedIn or even conduct an informational interview if they’re doing something you’re interested in learning more about. 

Build self-esteem and confidence

When you’re volunteering, you’re contributing positively to a cause you care about and making a difference in your community– which feels great! Volunteering can boost your self-esteem, help you build confidence, and lead you to feel a sense of satisfaction about the work you’re doing. This confidence can then positively impact other areas of your life, such as in school or in extracurricular activities!

Looking for your next volunteer gig?

• Try something out from our list of online volunteer opportunities 
• Learn about accessible ways to volunteer

Do you have any questions about getting started volunteering? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated March 2, 2026

In this article

• What’s the difference? Job vs. career
• Exploring interests through first jobs
• Translating responsibilities into competencies
• Seek feedback and growth opportunities
• Track your achievements
• Build your network
• Aligning college education with career interests

While landing your first job in high school or college can help you earn money in the short-term, it can also be a valuable opportunity to start shaping your future career path! If you have a dream job in mind for your future, you can start making it a reality through your first job. Here’s how to use your first job as a stepping stone to reach your dreams.

What’s the difference? Job vs. career

It’s important to understand the difference between a job and a career. At its core, a job is a role that you perform to get paid. Jobs usually help people meet more immediate financial needs. A career, on the other hand, is a long-term professional journey that involves a series of connected jobs, where one’s skills, experiences, and interests align to create a path of advancement and fulfillment. While slightly different, jobs and careers are still very connected. There is no single perfect path or a guarantee of a “dream job,” but finding a career that excites you is an amazing place to start. If you want inspiration on what your dream job might be, check out these stories from professionals who have worked toward fulfilling their career dreams!

Exploring interests through first jobs

Your first job in high school or college can help you explore your potential career interests. The good news is that very few jobs or careers are forever. It’s common to change jobs many times over the course of your career as you follow your interests and advance professionally. Your first job, however, can provide you a glimpse into various industries, helping you identify what you enjoy and want to pursue further. A job at a fast food restaurant, for example, can help you decide whether you thrive in customer-facing roles, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, or have a knack for problem-solving during stressful situations.

Translating responsibilities into competencies

A crucial skill in using your first job to launch into your career is translating the everyday tasks you complete at work into professional competencies. A professional competency is more about the underlying skill or quality that it takes to complete a certain responsibility. For example, if you work as a customer service representative in a retail setting, your tasks might include stocking shelves, interacting with customers and helping them find what they need, and being a team player. These tasks translate into professional competencies such as communication skills, the ability to navigate challenging situations, and the ability to problem-solve and work on a team. As you progress through your job, be sure to write down the professional competencies you’ve gained and update your resume as you go!

Seek feedback and growth opportunities

Your first job is also a great place to grow professionally. Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor for feedback on your performance and ways you can improve. Learning how to accept and apply constructive feedback is an important skill that will help you succeed in internships and future full-time roles. You can also look for small leadership opportunities, like helping train a new employee or taking the lead on a task, to build confidence and show initiative.

Track your achievements

As you gain experience, make sure you’re documenting your achievements, not just your responsibilities. Keep track of measurable accomplishments, like increasing sales, receiving positive customer feedback, or finishing projects ahead of schedule. Writing these down as they happen will make it much easier to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and clearly show the impact you made when applying for future opportunities.

Build your network

Building and maintaining a positive relationship with your supervisor and coworkers during your first job can help you in the future. These people can be added to your professional network and even provide references for future opportunities! 

If you’re unsure about whether your first job has any connection to your future career path, that’s okay! The relationships you’ve built and the skills you’ve gained still connect to most other jobs. For example, if you worked as an after-school tutor for young students in high school and are now pursuing an internship related to your engineering degree, your previous manager can speak to your work ethic, punctuality, and ability to handle responsibilities–all of which are important career skills!

Aligning college education with career interests

As you advance in your educational journey, it’s important to keep your career interests in mind. If your first job sparked an interest in marketing and social media, for example, you might consider majoring in business or marketing in college. This alignment enhances your knowledge and skill base, making you a more competitive candidate for internships, entry-level positions, and long-term career opportunities.

If you don’t know what your career interests are, that’s okay too! You can use your intro-level classes in college to do similar reflection. Additionally, counselors at your college’s career center can help you reflect on your interests and how they connect to your area of study and future career path. As you choose a major and begin brainstorming careers, lean on your passions, strengths, and curiosities!

Do you have any questions about landing a job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Critical thinking
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Communication and collaboration
• Comfort with risk
• Initiative and self-reliance
• Future orientation
• Opportunity recognition
• Creativity and innovation

Do you like the idea of being your own boss? Does the idea of creating a vision for a business, setting your own schedule, and being in control of your own success excite you? If so, you may be interested in exploring what it takes to be an entrepreneur! The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) defines eight key skills that make up the entrepreneurial mindset. These skills can not only help you start your own business, but can level up your skills as student, athlete, friend, or employee! Read more about key entrepreneurship skills for teens.

Critical thinking

Do you like solving puzzles and considering problems from multiple different angles? These are elements of critical thinking, a key entrepreneurial skill. 

Flexibility and adaptability

Flexibility and adaptability give you the willingness to change actions and plans to overcome challenges now, as well as to predict what might happen next!

Communication and collaboration

While you may be your own boss, you will still need to clearly express your ideas to many different people, like your customers, investors, employees, and loved ones. Clear communication can help people be on the same page while working toward a common goal.

Comfort with risk

Successful entrepreneurs have the capacity to move forward with a decision, despite uncertainty and challenges, to bet on themselves!

Initiative and self-reliance

You’re the boss! That means no one is going to tell you to start or end your day at a certain time. You have the power to take ownership of your business and work through obstacles on your own.

Future orientation

Taking the leap to be an entrepreneur means that you can see a positive future for yourself and your business, and have the drive to make it a reality!

Opportunity recognition

While problems and obstacles may arise, entrepreneurs see them as opportunities to create solutions.

Creativity and innovation

As a visionary, you will need the ability to think of ideas and create solutions. Your ideas and creative energy are probably what made you want to be an entrepreneur in the first place! Lean into these skills through reflection, practice, and training to become a successful entrepreneur. There are many resources available to learn more about becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business. Here are some to get you started:

• Take an assessment to learn what your strongest entrepreneurial skills are.
• Enroll in free training on starting your own business for teens.
• Dive deeper and learn more about the eight entrepreneurial mindset skills.
• Check out our list of side hustle websites to start planning.

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

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Last updated January 29, 2026

In this article

• Interviewing Skills 
• Customer Service Skills
• Communication Skills
• Expand your Microsoft and Google Drive Skills
• Adobe InDesign Skills
• Google/Coursera Career Certificates
• Digital Content Creating Skills
• Writing Skills
• Public Speaking Skills

You can level up your career skills from the comfort of your home or dorm! Here are some important job skills, and where you can find training and experience to level up.

Interviewing Skills 

The first step to landing the job. The best way to improve your interviewing skills is to practice, practice, practice! Our free Interview Coach tool is an easy way for you to hone your skills from wherever you are. In just 15 minutes, you can complete a practice interview and receive personalized feedback on what you did well and what you can improve. Get started by clicking the button below.

Customer Service Skills

Providing excellent customer service is an essential skill for any job. Whether you work as a cashier at a grocery store or you run your own business, honing your customer service skills is a must. Sign up for a free Foundations of Customer Service course on EDGE, a customer service training platform developed in partnership with Arizona State University and made especially for young adults. If you complete this one-hour training (and answer all the questions correctly) you will receive a certificate of completion from Arizona State University, which you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Communication Skills

Being able to communicate effectively is a vital skill to have in your personal and professional life, and how you communicate with people can have a positive (or negative) impact on your relationships and career. Learn how to communicate with your boss and coworkers, understand techniques for communicating with different audiences, and practice how to have tough conversations by taking the Communication in the 21st Century Workplace class offered by Coursera. Upon completion of this free 5-hour course, you will receive a certificate of completion from Coursera and the University of California at Irvine.

Expand your Microsoft and Google Drive Skills

You probably feel comfortable using Microsoft Word and Google Docs to type up homework assignments, but how are your spreadsheet skills? Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets have thousands of functions and learning a few of them can help set you apart from other candidates in the job search process. Learn how to analyze data, run calculations, make charts, graphs, schedules, forms and so much more. Udemy offers a free Excel kickstart course where you can learn the basics in just 36 minutes! GCFGlobal has a free Google Sheets course and each lesson takes less than three minutes to complete.

Adobe InDesign Skills

Adobe InDesign allows you to create anything from flyers, posters, and magazines to ebooks, apps, interactive documents and more. Every company and organization needs a way to visually communicate with their audiences in print and online and InDesign is the industry-standard software for design professionals. Now’s the perfect time to be creative and learn new skills because Adobe is providing free access to their design software (so no need to pay), and Udemy’s Adobe InDesign Made Easy course, provides step-by-step video instructions on how to use InDesign.

Google/Coursera Career Certificates

More than ever, digital skills are necessary to land a job and grow in your career. Interested in IT, help desk support, coding, or project management? Check out the free courses on Coursera taught by experts at Google. In a few short months, you can learn the key skills you need to apply for entry-level jobs at Google and other tech companies. No college degree or previous work experience is needed to take these courses. Click here to learn more about Google Professional Certificates.

Digital Content Creating Skills

With the shift in online content to video-based, there’s a need for digital content creators more than ever to help organizations and brands create engaging content and story-telling on social media. Formal training can come in handy for these growing jobs but isn’t required – you have to show that you can do the job. The best way to get experience and develop a portfolio is by creating your video-based content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. Consistency will grow over time, and you can use your videos as part of your portfolio or resume for jobs. Here’s also more background on the type of Digital Creator position out there for you.

• 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 product 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! 

Writing Skills

In almost all jobs, even your first job, writing skills are crucial. To get your foot in the door you’ll need to write a resume, a cover letter, and maybe some emails to your network or future employer. Writing in the world of work can take lots of forms – social media posts, emails, writing to your manager – so being ready to encounter all sorts of writing opportunities is important. Check out EdX’s courses on writing. For instance, they have free courses on writing an essay for English Language Learners and email writing for networking!

Public Speaking Skills

Whether you are interacting with customers, interviewing for a job, or selling something you’ll need to think about your public speaking skills. Presentation skills aren’t all about giving speeches or debating a formal topic. They are about persuasion, clear communication, and helping others see your point of view. To hone your presentation skills you can practice all sorts of ways of communicating: improv comedy, debate, online presentation! These skills are all about your style of communication! 

Do you have any questions about landing a job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• Codecademy
• Coursera
• FutureLearn
• Google Digital Garage
• LinkedIn Learning
• SkillUp
• I’ve taken a course. Now what?

There are many free and low-cost resources online that can help you develop digital skills and earn certifications to list on your resume! Check out these free-to-low-cost websites to start learning. 

Codecademy

Codecademy offers free coding classes in 12 different programming languages, including Python, Java, SQL, and C++. No matter your experience level, you can learn how to write real code on this user-friendly platform. 

Coursera

Build skills by taking free courses offered from top universities and leading tech companies on Coursera. These courses are self-paced and full of videos and hands-on projects from top instructors in business, computer science, data science, language learning, and more.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers free short courses to learn in-demand digital skills like social media marketing, web design, and more.

Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage offers free videos and content designed to help people strengthen their skills in business communication, digital marketing, and more. An entire course can last anywhere from one hour to one week.

LinkedIn Learning

Depending on where you live, your local library may give you free access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can take online courses about graphic design, video editing, excel databases, and more! Contact your local library to learn about gaining access.

SkillUp

SkillUp is a free tool that helps you explore careers and get the training you need to enter rapidly growing industries like technology and health care. Jump in, start learning, and connect with employers to launch your career!

I’ve taken a course. Now what?

Once you’ve taken a course or completed a certification, add it to your resume! Add a “Certifications” or “Skills” section on your resume where you can list the course or certificate you completed. This is especially important if you are applying for a job that requires skills in the area you completed a course or certificate in.

Do you have any questions or need further assistance with finding your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• When to ask for a raise
• How to ask for a raise

If you’ve been at your job for a while, excel in your role, and are ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, it’s time to ask for a raise! Asking for a raise takes preparation and confidence. While it can be intimidating, it can help you grow fundamental professional skills that will benefit you at any job! Here are seven tips for knowing when and how to ask for a raise.

When to ask for a raise

After a promotion

If your responsibilities increase, so should your pay! If you’re offered a promotion, be prepared to negotiate an increase in pay.

After accomplishing something big

When you accomplish something at work, like making a sale, getting positive feedback from a customer, or completing a big project, be sure to keep a record of it! This is a good opportunity to ask for a raise.

At a milestone

The time frame for getting a raise will vary depending on the company you work for and how long you’ve worked there. Some companies offer raises at six months, and others at one year. Once you reach a milestone like this with your company, you may be due for a raise. Check your company’s employee handbook or talk to your HR representative to learn more.

How to ask for a raise

To ask for a raise, you’ll need to schedule a meeting in advance with your manager. If you can have the meeting in person, even better! Here are some tips to prepare to ask for a raise.

Do your research

Set aside some time in advance to research what people in your position usually make at different companies, as well as what the average pay is for your role at your specific company. Knowing this information can ensure that you are receiving fair pay. To find this information, reference your employee handbook or talk to your HR representative.

Prepare proof of achievements

Document your achievements at work to present to your manager when you ask for a raise. We recommend creating a work journal or document that outlines the projects you managed, the number of customers you helped, or any education or training you completed that was beneficial in your role. If you can tie your achievements to the overall goals of your company, even better! Show you understand the big picture and how you fit into it. Not only will having documentation of these successes help you when asking for a raise, it will also come in handy when it’s time for your performance review!

Be open to negotiating

Entering your meeting being open to negotiating is key. Even if your company is unable to offer you a raise, they may be willing to offer you extra vacation days or other job perks instead. This may be disappointing, and does not replace an increase in your wages, but can be a meaningful compromise. If you do not receive a raise or any other job perks, be sure to ask your manager when a good time to have the conversation again would be. This shows you see yourself contributing to the team in the future and are invested in both yourself and the company!

Plan your next steps

Regardless of whether you get the raise, this can be a great time to take a moment of reflection about your performance at work and how you can continue to grow as an employee. This is a great opportunity to ask for feedback about your performance in your role and plan next steps to improve.

Do you have any questions about asking for a raise? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• Feedback is informative
• Feedback shows that someone cares enough to help you improve
• Feedback builds resilience
• How to cope with unexpected feedback

During your time at any job, it’s likely that you will receive feedback from your supervisors or coworkers periodically. While positive feedback about your performance can feel great, receiving more constructive feedback can be hard to hear. It may be uncomfortable to learn more about how you can improve or better meet expectations, but in the long run, it’s an important part of your personal and professional growth. We share some reasons why feedback is your friend!

Feedback is informative

Constructive feedback helps you learn how you can improve your performance. Imagine going to class all quarter or semester and not receiving grades from your professors on your assignments or exams. How would you know if you’re passing or failing if no one gives you any information? This applies to the workplace, too! When you receive tips on how to improve, you can sharpen your professional skills over time, which can help you become a better employee in almost any job.

Feedback shows that someone cares enough to help you improve

If someone is willing to provide you with helpful, honest feedback, it means they believe in your ability to improve and succeed. This may be hard to believe in the moment, since it can feel personal. However, your boss or coworkers taking time to help you get back on track and improve means they think you are capable of learning and growing. 

Feedback builds resilience

Being open and receptive to feedback is a skill that takes time and practice to master. How you react is an indicator of your willingness to learn and grow. It makes you more resilient because it empowers you to learn from your mistakes and to think of new ways to get back up and try again.

Receiving feedback never feels good at first, but reframing it as an opportunity for growth can help you better understand yourself and learn new ways to improve. You should also make sure to ask for feedback, especially if you haven’t received it yet! It can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it’ll help you grow in the long run.

How to cope with unexpected feedback

First off, take a deep breath and remember that it doesn’t define you! Look at it as a chance to improve and grow. Separate your emotions from the feedback and focus on the specifics. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to identify actionable steps for improvement.

It’s okay to feel a bit shaken, but remember that it’s not a personal attack. Share your thoughts with someone you trust, like a friend or mentor, to gain different perspectives. Embrace the learning opportunity as something that will move you forward in your career.

Do you have any questions about giving or receiving feedback? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• On your resume and cover letter
• Communicating with customers, patients, or outside partners
• Communicating with managers and coworkers
• How to improve your reading and writing skills

No matter the career you pursue, good reading comprehension and strong writing skills matter! In this article, we’ll share a few situations when strong writing and reading skills come in handy in the workplace.

On your resume and cover letter

Having a clearly written, concise, and professional resume and cover letter matters when applying to any job. You’ll stand out to employers because you put thought and care into these application materials, especially if you take the time to make sure they have language tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Need some help creating your first resume? Get started by using our free Resume Builder! Click the image below to begin.

Communicating with customers, patients, or outside partners

You may need to be in regular contact with people outside of your company, so good reading and writing skills are important! Sending emails with typos or grammar mistakes can negatively affect first impressions with customers, patients, or partners. You are representing your company here, so the ability to clearly read questions, concerns, or requests and answer them in a professional and understandable manner is key. 

Communicating with managers and coworkers

Good reading and writing skills are important when sending emails, writing reports, and giving presentations within your company. Showing management that you have the skills necessary to succeed in your job can go a long way!

How to improve your reading and writing skills

It can take some time and practice to sharpen these skills. Here are some of our recommendations for getting started on improving your reading and writing skills:

Writing

• Freerice.com by the United Nations World Food Programme quizzes you on your vocabulary. For every question you answer correctly, you donate 10 grains of rice to people in need. The more you play (and practice your vocabulary), the more you donate!
• Download Grammarly for free on your computer. It’ll catch your typos or awkward sentences and recommend changes. 
• Eliminate distractions. Having the TV on or listening to music while trying to write can throw you off and make it difficult to concentrate.
• Read more! The more you read, the more you’ll expand your vocabulary and learn different styles of writing. We recommend starting with whatever subject interests you the most.

Reading

• Read books below your reading level. Start by reading books written for younger audiences, like middle schoolers. This will help you build confidence to work your way up to reading more challenging books over time.
• Open Library is a digital lending library with over 3 million books available to borrow for free with an account. It includes a K–12 collections ideal for reading at any level.
• Read in small chunks. Forcing yourself to read will likely result in you skimming the pages rather than actually focusing on what you’re reading. You’re more likely to remember what you read when you stop once you no longer feel engaged and take a break.
• Repeat what you read out loud. This is a great way to make sure you’re understanding what you’re reading. Take a moment to repeat or summarize what you just read out loud. If something seems off, you can always go back and re-read!
• Eliminate distractions. Having the TV on or listening to music while trying to read can throw you off and make it difficult to concentrate.
• Write more! It’s a cycle: the more you read, the better you can write. The more you write, the easier it is to read.

Do you have any questions or need further assistance with finding your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated March 2, 2026

In this article

• More job opportunities
• Build relationships and expand your network
• Highlight your language skills on your resume and in interviews
• Start learning! 
• How knowing a second language helps us at Get Schooled

In a multicultural and interconnected world, knowing a second language can not only improve your brain health but also open you up to professional opportunities! Whether you already know more than one language or are interested in learning a new one, read more about the professional benefits of knowing a second language–including experiences from the Get Schooled team! 

More job opportunities

Knowing a second language is highly beneficial (and in some cases, necessary) in many career paths and professions, including journalism, teaching, law, interpretation and translation, flight attending, and more. Additionally, with many companies expanding globally, there will always be opportunities for candidates who can communicate in different languages. When applying for jobs, having a second language listed on your resume can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out from other applicants. This skill can even open more opportunities for higher-paying jobs! 

Build relationships and expand your network

Speaking more than one language can help you make meaningful connections on the job and in your professional network. Talking with your colleagues or customers in their native language can allow you to build trust and have conversations without losing important meaning. This can also help you broaden your perspectives, learn about other cultures, and embrace new ideas.

Highlight your language skills on your resume and in interviews

If you know a second language, make sure employers can easily see it! Include a “Skills” section on your resume and clearly list the language(s) you speak. It’s also important to describe your proficiency level honestly. For example, you might write “Conversational Spanish,” “Fluent in French,” or “Professional working proficiency in Mandarin.” During an interview, be prepared to talk about how you’ve used your language skills in school, work, or volunteer settings. In some cases, an employer may even ask you to demonstrate your skills in a brief conversation. Being confident and clear about your abilities can help you stand out as a strong candidate. You can even practice your interview skills in a different language using Get Schooled’s Interview Coach. 

Start learning! 

Ready to learn a new language? Sign up for one of the free resources below!

• Duolingo
• Rosetta Stone
• Memrise

As you gain confidence, look for opportunities to practice with native speakers. This could mean joining a language exchange group, participating in an online conversation forum, or simply speaking with friends, classmates, or coworkers who are fluent. Real-life practice can help you improve faster and feel more comfortable using the language in professional settings.

You can also check out free or affordable classes at your local community college, library, or community center. Many offer beginner-friendly courses that provide structured learning and support from an instructor. No matter how you choose to start, taking that first step can open the door to new personal and professional opportunities.

How knowing a second language helps us at Get Schooled

Learn from members of the Get Schooled team about how knowing a second language has helped them in their careers.

Eric, Senior Program Manager – College & First Jobs Advising

Languages known: Spanish and English

“Being bilingual has helped me in many instances in my career in higher education. Working in spaces that supported predominantly first-generation students of color, I have had the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking students and families about the college-going process in a language accessible to them. I’ve seen firsthand the relief in a parent’s eyes when someone can speak to them about their student’s new experience that can be very unfamiliar to them.”

Lisa, Director of Operations

Languages known: English and French

“Having knowledge of a second language has helped with my writing. Understanding sentence structure in another language improved my writing in English. It was also super fun to see the Latin roots in words across many languages. Big bonus, Spanish and Italian are easier for me to learn because of my knowledge of French.”

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

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