*JUNIOR CAREER INFORMATION* 

SUGGESTIONS DURING YOUR JUNIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL.

• If you were unable to job shadow during your sophomore year, now is the time to investigate your opportunities for this year.  Many times employers will be open to this option because it is a non-paying item.  Talk with possible employers, talk with friends and family, talk with school personnel--network, network, network.  Students and adults make a huge mistake when making career decisions based on "what they think" is involved in the career.  Do not make decisions on media, television, movies, or by word of mouth.  Find out yourself by seeing and doing what tasks the people do on a daily basis in that career.

• If you have not completed a interest inventory with a self assessment, now is the time to complete this tool.  Utilize the Career Websites for free self assessment on the Frequently Asked Questions page.  **Remember, self-assessment interest inventories do not determine what career you must pursue.  The tool only gives you results what you like/dislike to do.  Many other factors determine your success in a career--grades, abilities, willingness to complete levels of education.

• Reassess your skills and abilities with the career program you want to pursue.  Check out colleges, technical and proprietary schools, apprenticeships, military or employment with job training.  How do your grades, test scores, physical/emotional strength and proven accomplishments fall in line with the requirements of the career?

• Investigate the opportunities and employment outlook for careers.  What is the current job availability?  What is the projected growth of the career?

• Visit post-secondary institutions that your career plan indicates would be a good match.  Verify that the institution offers your major or majors. 

• Talk with the apprenticeship programs in your career of choice.  Testing dates are available at specific times usually in the spring of your senior year.  Apprenticeship programs are very specific with their entrance tests and applications.

• If you are taking the ACT, complete the enrollment form in full.  ACT gives you some excellent career information with your test results.

• Utilize the Career Websites listed on the Frequently Asked Questions page.