Planning for High School and Beyond

Suggestions for helping your child plan for college and a career

• Talk with your child about school and career interests.

• Learn about labor market realities and be supportive if your child is interested in exploring technical careers.  Many of today's most exciting job opportunities relate to technology but most parents still think that the only path to success is a professional degree. Check out the labor market and career information on the web. A recommended site is the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.

• Ask about career guidance activities that are offered at your child's school. If your teen is struggling in school, a career focus can add purpose to his or her studies, often resulting in better grades and happier students.

• Get the results of your child's interest assessments and use the school's career counseling services to learn more about careers that are related to your child's interests and abilities. Do not assume that all careers require the same level of education or training.  Help your child to learn more about the actual educational requirements for careers that interest him/her. Seek information about Ohio Career Development activities.

• Encourage your child to continue researching and exploring career areas that interest him or her and talk about those activities. Suggest that your teen look at career opportunities that were once considered only for males or only for females. It may take extra commitment to enter non-traditional career fields, but there are often excellent job opportunities.

• Help your child select courses that relate to his or her interests, and encourage your teen to find high school jobs in fields that are related to his or her interest areas.

• Find out about technology courses your school offers and talk them over with your teen. Taking courses such as information technologies, construction, biotechnology, engineering and health technologies will give your child a much better understanding of today's technological world and a chance to take a hands-on look at tools, techniques and skills involved in a range of careers.

• Stress the importance of good attendance. Most adults do not take a day off from work whenever they feel like it.  School is your child's "job" and should be treated with the same respect.

Adapted from"Myth or Fact" poster, Tech Prep team,

Monson Junior Senior High School, Monson, MA.

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