Source: Faculty Are Our Allies in Teaching Career Preparation and Readiness Skills
Extracurricular activities can be a game changer when it comes to exploring career and college readiness opportunities. They not only complement academic success but also provide a plethora of opportunities to develop valuable skills, discover new interests, and build a robust portfolio for future college or career pursuits. In this blog post, we will explore some creative ways to take advantage of extracurricular activities to explore career and college readiness opportunities.
- Try a variety of activities: Participating in different activities can help you gain new skills, interests, and broaden your horizons. If you have always been interested in sports, try joining the school debate club or theater group. If you are a science buff, join a robotics club or volunteer at a science museum. Don’t be afraid to explore different areas of interest, as it will help you discover new passions and develop new skills.
- Leverage online resources: The internet is an excellent resource to explore career and college readiness opportunities. Visit websites such as Big Future, CollegeXpress, and Niche, to explore colleges, scholarships, and career paths. You can also create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals, alumni, and explore career opportunities.
- Attend Career Fairs: Many clubs and organizations host career fairs which can be an excellent opportunity to network with professionals, learn about different industries, and explore career paths. You can also participate in mock interviews, resume reviews, and gain hands-on experience by participating in interactive activities.
- Start your own club or organization: Starting your own club or organization can help you develop valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills. It can also help you explore your passions and create a platform to engage with like-minded individuals. You can also use your club or organization to host events, fundraisers, volunteer projects, and develop a strong resume or college application.
- Volunteer or intern: Volunteering or interning can be an excellent way to gain real-world experience, discover new interests, and network with professionals. Many organizations offer student internships or volunteer opportunities which can provide valuable experience, build your resume, and help you explore different career paths.
In conclusion, extracurricular activities can provide an excellent opportunity to explore career and college readiness opportunities. Through trying a variety of activities, leveraging online resources, attending career fairs, starting your own club or organization, and volunteering or interning, you can develop valuable skills, discover new interests, and build a strong portfolio for your future college or career pursuits. So don’t be afraid to take that first step and get involved in extracurricular activities today!
