Bridging Dreams and Realities: A Counselor's Guide to Connecting with Careers

School counselors are instrumental in guiding students on their academic and personal journeys. Among the many roles we play, helping students connect with potential careers is a vital task. By facilitating meaningful engagements and guidance regarding career choices, we shape students' futures. Career guidance equips students with the tools to explore a variety of career options, discover their interests and strengths and align these with suitable professions. This article discusses strategies school counselors can implement to strengthen connections between students and various career paths.

Utilize Career Assessments
Career assessment tools are designed to identify students’ strengths, interests, values, and personality traits. These assessments provide valuable insights for students, allowing them to consider career options that align with their unique attributes and abilities. Big Future’s Career Quiz, Texas Career Check, MiddleGalaxy and Roadtrip Nation are some examples to get started.

Create Opportunities for Career Exploration
Collaborate with educators, local businesses and community organizations to coordinate career fairs and workshops within your campus. These events offer students a chance to interact with professionals from various fields, assisting them in narrowing their career choices and motivating them to explore their choice further.

Encourage Job Shadowing and Internships
Emphasize the value of students engaging in job shadowing experiences and internships to your district’s CTE department. These hands-on experiences allow students to immerse themselves in their desired careers and network with professionals, which could lead to future employment. Some districts are successful in obtaining both paid and unpaid internships in a variety of careers. Speak with an administrator or director in your district to advocate for this opportunity for students.

Guided College and Career Planning
Assist students in researching colleges, universities and vocational training programs that align with their career choice. Providing guidance on higher ed programs, admission requirements and financial aid opportunities helps students feel less overwhelmed and make the best choices for their academic and professional growth.

Stay Informed About Career Trends
Staying updated on current job market trends and new job roles will equip you to provide students with the latest information. Advise students to choose a career that will have continued growth beyond graduation to help ensure they land a job. The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a resource counselors and students can use to analyze projected job growth.

School counselors have an indispensable role in shaping the futures of students. By cultivating strong relationships, employing assessment tools, organizing career-oriented events and staying informed about the job market, counselors can effectively guide students toward fulfilling career choices. Through comprehensive career guidance, school counselors empower students to pursue their passions and embark on successful professional journeys, ultimately making meaningful contributions to society.

Jacquelyn Solis has been in education for 13 years, serving as an elementary teacher, elementary school counselor and high school counselor, currently at Dubiski Career High School, a CTE campus in Grand Prairie ISD.