The whole purpose of going to school is to improve your skills and knowledge so that you have better opportunities upon graduation. The world is full of possibility and the chance to pursue your passion, help other people, and live the life you want. Therefore, while you’re in school, whether it’s high school or a secondary college, it’s important to set goals, both short-term and long-term, to help you prepare and increase your chances of getting your dream job.
It’s never too late (or too early) to start forming an idea of what you want to do with your life, and that’s okay if it changes throughout the course of the school year. However, to get a head start into securing your first job in the career of your choice, it always helps to implement healthy habits and routines that will aid in your path to success.
Here are some recommendations on how to succeed at school now so that you are prepared for awaits you on the other side of graduation:
BREAK GOALS UP INTO MILESTONES
Despite what some people may say, your high school GPA or certification from a vocational school does matter in your ability to get hired for a well-paying, quality job. Therefore, it is in your best interest to put in the work and the time it takes to show that you have the ability to learn and follow through on something like graduating from high school or complete a certification course.
One of the best ways to utilize your time in school to set yourself up for success include setting long term and short-term goals. Ask yourself questions like, what are you passionate about? And what are the skills you need to be able to get hired to a job doing what you love? It’s also important to be realistic on the time it will take to prepare for a new career.
For instance, if you really enjoy working on cars, then try to excel in the types of classes that teach problem-solving skills or improve your cognitive thinking and consider getting a part-time job at a local mechanic to get some hands-on experience. Make a commitment to acing your classes and introduce yourself to the mechanics in your neighborhood so that you’ll be one step ahead when you’ve received your diploma and are ready to go full-time as an automotive technician.
FORM GOOD STUDY HABITS
Employers want to see that you can stick with something through the end and that you’re willing to listen and learn, which is the main reason why they look at your credentials when you apply for a job. So, while you’re in school, it’s imperative to pay attention, listen, and prove (through your GPA or receiving a certification) that you have what it takes to make it in your ideal career.
The best way to do that is to form good habits now that will become second nature to your success in the future. Things like eating healthy, getting up early, exercising, and setting aside time each day to study, do homework, or make deadlines will show your instructors and employers that you are committed to your own success.
WORK, VOLUNTEER, TAKE CLASSES, AND TALK TO PEOPLE
It’s okay if you don’t quite know what you want to do with your life, but talking with other teachers, neighbors, role models, counselors, family, et cetera, can offer different perspectives and help shape your own idea on which direction you want to go. It also helps to boost your resume by volunteering, working a part-time gig in any kind of role (simply being able to hold down a job- no matter how menial the tasks- shows that you can be a team player and stick with something), and taking classes that interest you.
WHY UEI COLLEGE IS THE PLACE TO GO TO GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED FOR YOUR DREAM JOB
UEI College is a secondary technical college that offers diplomas for jobs that are in high-demand in the healthcare industry, criminal justice, HVAC, business, and more. Classes and programs are held at more than a dozen campuses across California as well as in Arizona and Georgia. For more information about UEI programs and career center, visit www.uei.edu/.
