Career

Advice

High School

Juniors and Seniors

1

Utilize Linked in to connect

with Industry Professionals

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can connect with industry professionals, showcase your skills and experiences, and learn about job opportunities.

Make sure to optimize your profile, including a professional profile picture, a clear and concise summary, and relevant skills and experiences. Start by connecting with classmates, teachers, and industry professionals you admire. Engage with their posts and comment on relevant topics to establish connections.

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2

Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events

Attend career fairs and networking events in your local area or in your desired industry to meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

Be sure to bring a copy of your resume and business cards to share with potential employers, and dress appropriately for the occasion. Prepare yourself with questions to ask potential employers to show your interest and learn more about the company and their hiring needs.

3

Participate in Internships and

Co-Op Programs

Participating in internships and co-op programs can provide you with hands-on experience in your desired field and opportunities to network with industry professionals.

These programs are great ways to gain relevant experience, make connections, and potentially secure a full-time job after graduation.

4

Reach Out to Alumni

Connecting with alumni from your school or college who have experience in your desired field can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and gain advice on navigating the job search process.

Consider reaching out to alumni or program graduates via LinkedIn or through your school's alumni association and be on the lookout for any conferences that you can attend where graduates or individuals of your area of interest are presenting their work and experience at either school, college or in public.

5

Connect with Recruiters and Staffing Agencies

Recruiters and staffing agencies can help connect you with job opportunities and provide you with job search assistance.

Research local agencies that specialize in your desired field and reach out to them to introduce yourself and express your interest in job opportunities. Be prepared to provide them with a copy of your resume and information about your career goals and interests.

By utilizing these tips, you, as a Californian school leaver can expand your network and increase your chances of finding your dream job. It is important to be proactive, persistent, and professional in your job search efforts.

College Positives

• Offers a wide range of disciplines and programs to study, allowing for a broad education and versatility in career options.
  

• Provides an academic and intellectual environment that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning.
  

• Offers access to numerous resources and facilities, such as libraries, labs, and career centers, to enhance the learning experience.
  

• Can lead to higher earning potential and better job opportunities in some fields.
  

• Provides a recognized qualification and credentials, increasing employability and career advancement.
  

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College Negatives

• Can be expensive and result in substantial student debt.
  

• Can take longer to complete, meaning you'll have to wait longer before entering the workforce.
  

• May not always lead directly to a job in your field of study.
  

• Can be challenging to balance work and study, especially if you need to support yourself financially.
  

Apprenticeship Negatives

• Can be competitive to secure, with limited opportunities in some fields.
  

• Fairly new so some companies may not offer this as a pathway to join their company.
  

Ultimately, the decision between college and apprenticeship will depend on individual goals, interests, and circumstances. Consider your long-term career aspirations, your financial situation, and your learning style before making a choice. Both paths have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the individual.

Keep It Concise and Focused:

Your resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages and should highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

Start with a Strong Summary:

Start your resume with a brief summary that highlights your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. This will give the reader an immediate snapshot of your qualifications and help you stand out from other applicants.

Highlight Your Relevant Experiences:

Emphasize your relevant experiences, including volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs that demonstrate your skills and interests. Use bullet points to describe your duties, achievements, and responsibilities.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job:

Customize your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting the experiences, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the specific position.

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Showcase Your Skills:

Highlight your technical skills, such as proficiency in specific software programs or language proficiency, as well as soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Use Keywords:

Research the job you are applying for and incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume. This will help increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Provide Evidence of Achievements:

Include specific examples of achievements, such as projects you have led, awards you have received, or improvements you have made in previous positions.

Proofread and Edit Carefully:

Make sure to proofread and edit your resume carefully to eliminate any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues.

Making sure your online presence is work-safe and squeaky clean is crucial in today's digital world. By following these tips, you can protect your reputation, maintain professionalism, and keep your information secure.

Mind Your Social Media:

1. Remember, everything you post online is public, so be mindful of what you share.
   
2. Keep your profiles professional and avoid sharing controversial or offensive content.
   
3. Consider setting your profiles to private or limiting the information that is visible to the public.
   

Manage Your Online Reputation:

1. Google yourself regularly to see what information is out there about you.
   
2. Respond to any negative or false information in a professional manner.
   
3. Encourage others to leave positive reviews or testimonials about your work.
   

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Protect Your Privacy:

1. Be careful about the information you share online, including personal details like your full name, address, and phone number.
   
2. Be mindful of the privacy settings on your social media accounts and regularly review them to make sure they're set the way you want them.
   
3. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts to keep your information secure