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Before going into a long term, lifetime career, what is an genuine good starting job to get as much experience as I can?
I am still in highschool
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3 answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
I recommend determining which career category(s) are appealing before looking for a "starting position," for example Law Enforcement, woodworking, information technology, etc.
I found my dream career by following steps similar to what I've listed below. It'll be easier to choose a job that provides useful work experience once you discover the career category that interests you the most. For example, I worked as a Help Desk Agent for several years. When we had slow days (not many calls coming into the call center) I looked for ways that I could help management with the documentation. I gained a lot of experience with technical writing. Eventually, I approached management to let them know that I was interested in moving into a Technical Writing position. My Technical Writing career took off like a rocket, and I haven't looked back since!
I did a quick search and found the following steps you can take that may be helpful in discovering your dream career:
Self-Assessment
* Identify Interests: Write down hobbies, favorite school subjects, and activities that energize you.
* Recognize Strengths: Consider skills you excel at, like writing, math, sports, or leadership.
* Reflect on Values: Think about what matters most (helping others, creativity, financial stability, etc.).
Research Careers
* Use resources like career assessment tools (e.g., Myers-Briggs, ONET Interest Profiler*).
* Explore career clusters or industries that align with interests.
* Read job descriptions and research what professionals in those fields do day-to-day.
Gain Experience
* Volunteer in areas of interest.
* Pursue part-time jobs, internships, or shadowing opportunities.
* Join school clubs or extracurricular activities (e.g., debate team, robotics club, theater).
Talk to Professionals
* Conduct informational interviews with people in careers you're curious about.
* Attend career fairs or networking events.
* Ask teachers or counselors for connections to alumni or local professionals.
Explore Educational Paths
* Look at college majors, trade schools, certifications, or apprenticeships tied to desired fields.
* Discuss options with a school counselor to align classes with career interests (e.g., taking advanced STEM courses for engineering).
Set Goals
* Draft short-term goals (e.g., "Volunteer at a local animal shelter").
* Draft long-term goals (e.g., "Study environmental science in college").
Stay Flexible
* Interests and goals might change—be open to discovering new opportunities!
* Reassess every year or whenever something sparks curiosity.
STEPS FOR FINDING AN ENTRY LEVEL JOB
Identify Career-Related Skills
* Pinpoint skills you want to build that are relevant to your dream career (e.g., teamwork, communication, technical proficiency).
* Research which industries or roles offer opportunities to develop those skills.
Search for Suitable Job Types
* Look for roles in retail, food service, tutoring, or customer service to develop soft skills.
* Explore internships, apprenticeships, or assistant roles in the industry you're interested in (e.g., lab assistant for a future scientist).
Leverage School Resources
* Visit your high school’s career center or talk to a counselor for local job leads.
* Check for work-study programs or job fairs hosted by your school.
Use Job Boards and Online Tools
* Explore platforms like Indeed, Snagajob, LinkedIn, or Handshake for student-friendly opportunities.
* Search with keywords like “part-time,” “entry-level,” or “no experience.”
Network
* Let friends, family, and teachers know you’re looking for a job—they might know of openings.
* Join local community groups or online forums (e.g., Facebook community job boards).
Consider Volunteering
* If paid jobs are limited, find volunteer opportunities that align with your goals.
* EXAMPLES: volunteering at a hospital for healthcare experience or at a coding camp for a tech career.
Tailor Applications
* Create a simple resume highlighting transferable skills, school achievements, and extracurriculars.
* Write personalized cover letters showing enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare for Interviews
* Practice answering common interview questions confidently.
* Highlight your eagerness to learn and connect your goals to the job.
Follow Up After Applying
* Send polite emails or make phone calls to check on your application status.
* Show enthusiasm for the position and interest in contributing.
Reflect and Pivot if Needed
* After landing a job, think about how the experience aligns with your dream career.
* If it's not a good fit, use what you’ve learned to refine your job search.
I hope this is helpful for you Ryan
Sincerely,
Matthew Trull
I recommend determining which career category(s) are appealing before looking for a "starting position," for example Law Enforcement, woodworking, information technology, etc.
I found my dream career by following steps similar to what I've listed below. It'll be easier to choose a job that provides useful work experience once you discover the career category that interests you the most. For example, I worked as a Help Desk Agent for several years. When we had slow days (not many calls coming into the call center) I looked for ways that I could help management with the documentation. I gained a lot of experience with technical writing. Eventually, I approached management to let them know that I was interested in moving into a Technical Writing position. My Technical Writing career took off like a rocket, and I haven't looked back since!
I did a quick search and found the following steps you can take that may be helpful in discovering your dream career:
Self-Assessment
* Identify Interests: Write down hobbies, favorite school subjects, and activities that energize you.
* Recognize Strengths: Consider skills you excel at, like writing, math, sports, or leadership.
* Reflect on Values: Think about what matters most (helping others, creativity, financial stability, etc.).
Research Careers
* Use resources like career assessment tools (e.g., Myers-Briggs, ONET Interest Profiler*).
* Explore career clusters or industries that align with interests.
* Read job descriptions and research what professionals in those fields do day-to-day.
Gain Experience
* Volunteer in areas of interest.
* Pursue part-time jobs, internships, or shadowing opportunities.
* Join school clubs or extracurricular activities (e.g., debate team, robotics club, theater).
Talk to Professionals
* Conduct informational interviews with people in careers you're curious about.
* Attend career fairs or networking events.
* Ask teachers or counselors for connections to alumni or local professionals.
Explore Educational Paths
* Look at college majors, trade schools, certifications, or apprenticeships tied to desired fields.
* Discuss options with a school counselor to align classes with career interests (e.g., taking advanced STEM courses for engineering).
Set Goals
* Draft short-term goals (e.g., "Volunteer at a local animal shelter").
* Draft long-term goals (e.g., "Study environmental science in college").
Stay Flexible
* Interests and goals might change—be open to discovering new opportunities!
* Reassess every year or whenever something sparks curiosity.
STEPS FOR FINDING AN ENTRY LEVEL JOB
Identify Career-Related Skills
* Pinpoint skills you want to build that are relevant to your dream career (e.g., teamwork, communication, technical proficiency).
* Research which industries or roles offer opportunities to develop those skills.
Search for Suitable Job Types
* Look for roles in retail, food service, tutoring, or customer service to develop soft skills.
* Explore internships, apprenticeships, or assistant roles in the industry you're interested in (e.g., lab assistant for a future scientist).
Leverage School Resources
* Visit your high school’s career center or talk to a counselor for local job leads.
* Check for work-study programs or job fairs hosted by your school.
Use Job Boards and Online Tools
* Explore platforms like Indeed, Snagajob, LinkedIn, or Handshake for student-friendly opportunities.
* Search with keywords like “part-time,” “entry-level,” or “no experience.”
Network
* Let friends, family, and teachers know you’re looking for a job—they might know of openings.
* Join local community groups or online forums (e.g., Facebook community job boards).
Consider Volunteering
* If paid jobs are limited, find volunteer opportunities that align with your goals.
* EXAMPLES: volunteering at a hospital for healthcare experience or at a coding camp for a tech career.
Tailor Applications
* Create a simple resume highlighting transferable skills, school achievements, and extracurriculars.
* Write personalized cover letters showing enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare for Interviews
* Practice answering common interview questions confidently.
* Highlight your eagerness to learn and connect your goals to the job.
Follow Up After Applying
* Send polite emails or make phone calls to check on your application status.
* Show enthusiasm for the position and interest in contributing.
Reflect and Pivot if Needed
* After landing a job, think about how the experience aligns with your dream career.
* If it's not a good fit, use what you’ve learned to refine your job search.
I hope this is helpful for you Ryan
Sincerely,
Matthew Trull
Updated
Morris’s Answer
Without a doubt, I believe that the most beneficial jobs for beginners are roles such as administrative assistant or entry-level project management assistant. These positions offer the chance to see the bigger picture of an organization, as you'll be working closely with experienced professionals.
The industry you choose may vary, but these roles will give you a clear understanding of your future career path. Importantly, the administrative skills you acquire will be valuable no matter where your career takes you or which direction you choose.
These skills, including time management, hard and soft skills, along with some general technical skills, will be instrumental in your career growth. These positions not only provide a solid foundation for your career but also equip you with essential skills that will be beneficial in any professional setting.
Regardless of what college you choose or not, Make sure you connect with a guidance counselor who can support you in getting a work-ready position in college, which is similar to an admin role, or if you decide not to go to college, at pre-apprenticeship programs in the industry you are thinking about.
The industry you choose may vary, but these roles will give you a clear understanding of your future career path. Importantly, the administrative skills you acquire will be valuable no matter where your career takes you or which direction you choose.
These skills, including time management, hard and soft skills, along with some general technical skills, will be instrumental in your career growth. These positions not only provide a solid foundation for your career but also equip you with essential skills that will be beneficial in any professional setting.
Morris recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Arlene’s Answer
A practical step you could take is to register with a temp agency. This agency can assign you to various companies, allowing you to perform diverse types of tasks. This method can be highly beneficial as it provides you with exposure to different industries, helping you discover the type of work you truly enjoy. Not only that, but you'll also familiarize yourself with different companies, paving the way for more job opportunities in the future.