Most students don’t need more advice, they need more reps.
In meetings with seniors, I hear a lot of big goals.
“I want to major in business.”
“I’m thinking about engineering.”
“I want to go into healthcare.”
But, when I ask what they’ve actually done in those areas like internships, part-time work, projects, volunteering, the answer many times is “nothing yet.”
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with teens on college and career readiness:
Clarity doesn’t come from thinking, it comes from doing.
The students who grow the fastest are not the ones with perfect GPAs.
They’re the ones who:
• Send the email even when it feels awkward
• Show up early
• Ask questions and ask for feedback
• Make a mistake and recover
• Get evaluated by someone who isn’t grading them on a rubric
Work-based learning isn’t just about career exploration, it’s about practicing for what comes next.
Professional communication.
Time management.
Accountability.
Feedback.
Adaptability.
You can’t build those skills in the classroom alone, you build them through real-world experience.
If we want confident, workforce-ready graduates, we have to create more opportunities for students to do real work, before graduation.
If you’re a business owner or professional who has ever said, “Students just aren’t prepared anymore”, I’d challenge you to partner with a local high school or college.
Open your doors, offer a mentorship, host an intern.
Community partnerships build the future workforce.
And, if you're already doing so and have tips for the rest of us, please share in the comments!
In meetings with seniors, I hear a lot of big goals.
“I want to major in business.”
“I’m thinking about engineering.”
“I want to go into healthcare.”
But, when I ask what they’ve actually done in those areas like internships, part-time work, projects, volunteering, the answer many times is “nothing yet.”
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with teens on college and career readiness:
Clarity doesn’t come from thinking, it comes from doing.
The students who grow the fastest are not the ones with perfect GPAs.
They’re the ones who:
• Send the email even when it feels awkward
• Show up early
• Ask questions and ask for feedback
• Make a mistake and recover
• Get evaluated by someone who isn’t grading them on a rubric
Work-based learning isn’t just about career exploration, it’s about practicing for what comes next.
Professional communication.
Time management.
Accountability.
Feedback.
Adaptability.
You can’t build those skills in the classroom alone, you build them through real-world experience.
If we want confident, workforce-ready graduates, we have to create more opportunities for students to do real work, before graduation.
If you’re a business owner or professional who has ever said, “Students just aren’t prepared anymore”, I’d challenge you to partner with a local high school or college.
Open your doors, offer a mentorship, host an intern.
Community partnerships build the future workforce.
And, if you're already doing so and have tips for the rest of us, please share in the comments!
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