7 Effective Career Exploration Activities for High School Students

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What are Career Exploration Activities?

Career exploration activities provide students a way to explore careers, learn about different fields, and discover what excites them. They can be particularly helpful for students with too many or too few ideas of what they wish to study, providing context around the day to day of a career and the different permutations available from one course of study (i.e. all the possible careers with a biology degree). When done successfully, they help students connect to their unique skills, interests, and values and land on a plan of action, typically a decision on a college major.

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Why Do You Need Career Exploration Activities as a Student?

Career exploration activities help students narrow down their field of vision when it comes to future next steps. While some 14 and 15 year olds enter high school with a clear sense of self and strong ideas on their future aspirations, just as many do not have any idea and most have too many ideas. High school is the perfect time to explore varied interests and use that to decide on an educational path. Especially for students hoping to attend elite universities, knowing early what interests you is key in staking out activities that support your study goals and crafting an admissions strategy. For students of all types, career exploration activities give the chance to try things out, see what fits and gain skills that enhance resumes and college applications. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel a little closer to figuring out their dream job?

7 Effective Career Exploration Activities Every Student Should Try

Activity 1: Job Shadowing

Job shadowing can be a great first step, especially for students with a lot of ideas on what interests them. Job shadowing is like a backstage pass to the professional world. You get to follow a professional around for a day, seeing what their work is really like. Want to know what a software engineer does daily? Or how a journalist finds their next big story? Job shadowing lets you experience it up close. This way, you’ll know if the job lives up to your expectations and if it feels like something you’d want to do in the future. Given the short time commitment of job shadowing (typically a day to a week), it is also a good starting point for determining if a longer internship would be beneficial for you.

Activity 2: Internship Programs

If a student has given job shadowing a try and wants a more hands-on experience, internships are the way to go. These experiences give students direct exposure to their fields of interest, allowing them to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Internships in business, technology, or local government, for example, can clarify whether a student truly wants to pursue a particular path and provide valuable resume experience​. Plus, many internships lead to mentorship opportunities and sometimes, even future job offers. It’s a great way to start building your professional network and test the waters in an industry you’re interested in.

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Activity 3: Career Interest Assessments

Not quite sure where your strengths and interests lie? Career assessments are here to help! These quick quizzes give you a clearer picture of what careers might suit you based on your personality and preferences. By matching your traits with potential career paths, you’ll have a starting point for further exploration. Think of them as your own personal career matchmaker!

Activity 4: Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get hands-on experience in a field that interests you without the commitment of a full-time job. Love animals? Try volunteering at a local shelter. Interested in healthcare? Look for opportunities to help out at a hospital or clinic. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you’ll also make a difference in your community. Being able to connect global questions to local action is something colleges love to see on applications - and employers aren’t sad about it either!

Activity 5: Personalized Research Projects

Developing a personalized research question helps students delve into a specific topic, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic growth. This approach helps students clarify their interests and develop critical thinking, which is crucial for college applications​​ but can also help students curious about research-based careers get a taste of what it might be like.

Activity 6: In-School and Localized Engagement

Not all career exploration has to be formal. There is a great deal of value in joining clubs and organizations related to students’ interests or prospective majors, such as science clubs, debate teams, or business societies. These activities offer foundational experience, foster community, and allow students to explore their interests within a familiar environment​​.

Activity 7: Academic Competitions and Community-Based Advocacy

Competing in academic tournaments or initiating community-based advocacy projects (such as sustainability campaigns) can highlight a student’s dedication to making an impact. This engagement can be directly linked to a student’s academic narrative in applications​​.

Need Help?

Figuring out your future can be both exciting and overwhelming. Ivy Tutors Network is here to make it easier. Our expert advisors can guide you through exploring career pathways and planning for college. We know what it takes to get into top schools, and we're here to help you develop a plan that matches your goals and passions.

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