The Mission Society is hosting a Virtual Career Fair this October to highlight the variety of opportunities available to students after high school and college graduation - connecting young people with professionals and ensuring they enter the workforce with confidence. Today, we’re highlighting a few extracurricular activities at school that have the potential to shape students' future career choices.
High school is a pivotal time for students to explore their interests and uncover potential career paths. Engaging in extracurricular activities and initiatives on campus can be a powerful way for students to develop crucial skills, discover their passions, and gain insight into various career fields. Below, we’re sharing a few ways young people can gain valuable hands-on experience at school that can open doors for future career possibilities.
Lead Environmental Efforts
Organizing recycling drives, initiating campus cleanups, or nurturing your school garden are tangible ways for students to gain exposure to fields in sustainability. Encouraging classmates and teachers to reduce, reuse, and recycle, conserve energy and water, and advocate for green practices within the school community can spark an interest in careers in environmental science. Through these initiatives, students can develop a deeper understanding of their role in preserving our planet, setting the stage for potential careers that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Offer Peer Tutoring
Offering tutoring or homework assistance to peers can lead students toward careers in education. This experience provides a glimpse of what it's like to be a teacher or educator and can help identify which subjects they enjoy teaching most while developing skills in communication, leadership, and empathy. These skills are invaluable in the field of education, where educators play a vital role in shaping the future of students.
Join Student Government
Student government and leadership roles within school organizations provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and coordinate initiatives. Whether you're organizing school events, leading clubs, or delivering morning announcements, these experiences are a stepping stone to careers in law, diplomacy, or political science. They provide firsthand exposure to decision-making processes, public speaking opportunities, and the management of community needs.
Work in Student Media
For those with a passion for storytelling, graphic design, or journalism, high school offers a perfect platform to refine these skills. Many schools have yearbook clubs or newspapers where students can actively contribute to creating content. Writing articles, capturing photographs, or designing school publications can introduce students to the world of journalism and media.
Participate in Performing Arts
Whether you're drawn to the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, high school offers plenty of opportunities for students to explore their passion for the performing arts. You can participate in school theater productions, taking on roles like acting, directing, costume design, or stage management, and join school bands or choirs to improve your musical talents. These experiences not only foster creativity and artistic expression but also open doors to potential careers in performing arts, theater, or music.
High school is a time of exploration and self-discovery. Engaging in initiatives like launching recycling programs, offering peer tutoring, or participating in student government can provide invaluable experiences that have the potential to shape students' future career choices. These opportunities not only help students develop practical skills but also foster a deeper understanding of their passions and the career paths they might want to pursue, setting them on a path to a brighter future.
To join us for job highlights, valuable tips, and expert advice throughout the month, be sure to explore our Virtual Career Fair today, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for future resources.