Top 3 Online Student Career Planning Resources for Success
Career planning is a significant aspect of a student’s educational journey, yet it can often seem daunting and overwhelming. With the rapidly changing job market and advancements in technology, students are faced with the challenge of not only choosing a career path but also ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. To address these concerns, it is essential for students to have access to resources and tools that can help them navigate the complexities of career planning and prepare them for the workforce.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on boosting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to fill workforce pipelines and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the real world. According to a study conducted by ECMC Group, 81 percent of high school students prioritize learning the skills necessary for success in their post-graduation endeavors. However, there is often a disconnect between what students want to learn and what they actually learn in school. A survey by YouScience found that 83 percent of today’s learners struggle to connect the skills they acquire in school to future employment opportunities.
This lack of clarity and direction can lead to uncertainty and indecision among high school graduates as they contemplate their future career paths. Many students do not have access to industry professionals who can provide insight into different careers and the skills required to excel in those fields. As a result, students may feel discouraged and believe that pursuing a career in a particular field is beyond their reach.
In response to these challenges, educators and professionals have developed innovative online resources to help students explore different career opportunities and develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. These resources provide students with valuable insights into various industries, connect them with industry professionals, and offer virtual work experiences to help them gain practical skills and knowledge. Below are three top online student career planning resources that have been proven effective in helping students prepare for their future careers.
Career Connect
One valuable resource for students to explore different career paths is Career Connect, a platform developed by Discovery Education. Career Connect allows students to connect with working industry professionals to learn about their career journeys and gain insights into what it’s like to work in a particular field. Through virtual interactions with industry professionals, students can learn about the concepts used in solving real-world problems and the career paths that professionals have taken to achieve success.
Career Connect offers a wide range of industry professionals for teachers to choose from, including software engineers, microbiologists, financial analysts, and more. Educators can facilitate virtual connections between students and industry professionals, enabling students to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and learn about the skills and abilities required for different careers. Additionally, Career Connect provides turnkey worksheets that prompt students to reflect on their learning, prepare for their future careers, and be inspired by the professionals they interact with.
Utilizing Career Connect in the classroom can help students broaden their understanding of different career paths and develop a curiosity for exploring new opportunities. By connecting with industry professionals and gaining real-world insights, students can make more informed decisions about their future careers and feel more confident in pursuing their goals.
A Day in the Life
Another valuable resource for students to explore different career paths is A Day in the Life, a free digital archive of first-hand written accounts of professionals working in various fields. This resource allows students to read about the daily experiences of industry professionals in roles such as social media manager, oncology charge nurse, video game lead animator, and more. By reading about the daily routines and responsibilities of professionals in different fields, students can gain a better understanding of the work involved in various careers and find inspiration for their own future paths.
The blogs featured in A Day in the Life provide snapshots of a typical workday for industry professionals, starting from when they begin work to when they finish their day. Some articles also provide background information on the responsibilities of specific roles, giving students a comprehensive view of the skills and knowledge required for different careers. The standardized format of the blogs makes the insights accessible and engaging for students, allowing them to explore a diverse range of career options connected to their interests.
By reading about the experiences of industry professionals in A Day in the Life, students can gain valuable insights into different career paths and develop a deeper appreciation for the skills and abilities required to succeed in those fields. This resource can help students broaden their horizons, explore new career opportunities, and make informed decisions about their future paths.
Forage: Free Virtual Work Experiences
Forage is another valuable resource for students to gain practical skills and insights into various careers through free virtual work experiences. This platform offers job simulations in partnership with top companies, allowing students to explore different industries and develop industry-related skills. From marketing to software engineering, students can engage in simulations offered by companies like J.P. Morgan and Lululemon, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-life projects.
The job simulations on Forage are self-paced and open access, guiding students through a variety of tasks that mimic real-world scenarios. By following along with videos and text resources, students can develop skills and knowledge relevant to specific industries, such as creating integrated marketing plans or conducting data analysis tasks. Students can compare their work to real company deliverables, gaining insights into the expectations and requirements of different roles.
Engaging with job simulations on Forage can help students develop practical skills, explore different career paths, and gain hands-on experience in various industries. By participating in virtual work experiences, students can enhance their understanding of different careers and prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the workforce.
In conclusion, career planning is a crucial aspect of a student’s educational journey, and it is essential for students to have access to resources and tools that can help them navigate the complexities of career exploration and preparation. The online student career planning resources highlighted in this article—Career Connect, A Day in the Life, and Forage—offer valuable opportunities for students to explore different career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain practical skills and knowledge. By utilizing these resources, students can broaden their horizons, develop a curiosity for exploring new opportunities, and make informed decisions about their future careers.