Page 30 - Education Guide

Beyond the diploma:

Helping teens forge their futures

GUIDE hat’s the key to

optimism? From a
EDUCATION W it’s having a vision
career standpoint,
where you see yourself climb-
ing and thriving, and you know
there will be a place in the
world for your skills and
knowledge.
Unfortunately, there are
many teens and young people
who have a much bleaker vi-
sion of their futures. Ask them
where they see themselves in
five years, and they may shrug,
draw a blank or get that tight
feeling in their stomachs. They
worry about living their lives
adrift or being left behind.
It's more prevalent than you
may think. Approximately 5
2018 million young people between It’s never too early for any teen to start thinking about how to achieve workforce success. Brandpoint
the ages of 16 and 24 — or one
FEBRUARY 18, in school and are unemployed, access to relevant and inspiring looking for. Spend time revis- experience. Or if you’re not
out of seven — are not enrolled
according to the Social Science
Research Council’s Measure of
resources as they plan their
ing your application and re-
sure yet, volunteering allows
you to try out different things
sume, and ask trusted adults to
futures.”
America report.
With career preparation in
Within this problem,
SUNDAY, THEMORNINGCALL.COM/SPECIALSECTIONS though, is an opportunity for mind, it’s never too early for help you fine-tune it. It’s also and discover what you find
worthwhile to put your video
interesting. Take the opportuni-
camera to use to practice job
any teen to start thinking about
these youth. The U.S. has a
ty to volunteer — on top of all
record 6 million job openings,
how to achieve workforce
interviews. Do some research
the other benefits to yourself
even as 6.8 million Americans success. Here are some tips on common interview ques- and others, community service
CALL are looking for employment. from Boys & Girls Clubs of tions and then film yourself as stands out to employers, so be
America and The Hartford to
you answer. Learning to re-
sure to include these experi-
Two groups have come
spond to these questions with
ences in your resume and talk
help young people find trac-
together to help young people
MORNING pursue these in-demand jobs tion. confidence and poise will help about them during your inter-
by providing resources to pre-
views.
you stand out above the crowd.
Set short-term and long-
term goals. From passing next
Pursue your passions. Dis-
pare them for college and their
It’s never too early to net-
THE AT careers. Friday’s test to graduating high work. Perhaps you’ve heard the covering what you’re passion-
saying that “the more things
Through a $3 million part-
ate about is a lifelong pursuit
school and pursuing a college
OF ONLINE nership, Boys & Girls Clubs of degree, focus on setting and change, the more they stay the that will evolve and change
over time; however, you will
America and The Hartford will
same.” While it’s true that the
achieving individual goals that
SECTION GUIDE help develop the next genera- ladder up to your vision of economy isn’t exactly stable spend a significant portion of
and technology is rapidly
tion’s workforce by creating 30
success. Take time to think
your life working, so why not
transforming the job market,
about the progression of steps
make it as enjoyable as pos-
college and career centers in
ADVERTISING EDUCATION the next three years. The cen- that need to take place between the most valuable resource in a sible? Think about the things
ters will be built in Boys &
you love most and areas where
now and where you hope to see
job search is people. Talk to
teachers, guidance counselors,
yourself in the future. At the
you excel, then consider poten-
Girls Clubs across the country,
mentors and parents about your
same time, don’t get over-
reaching 70,000 teens per year.
tial career options that align
“This partnership is part of
whelmed. After all, each jour-
with those interests and skills.
career interests; not only can
SPECIAL THIS The Hartford’s commitment to ney begins with a single step. they provide feedback on what And above all, don’t be afraid
to fail. If you discover at some
fields they see as a potential fit,
And each step can shape your
help build successful commu-
future in ways that are both
point that your chosen path
they can also connect you with
nities through targeted philan-
VIEW thropic investment and em- large and small. people in those careers for a isn’t the best fit after all, it’s
Learn how to look for a job
ployee volunteerism,” said
job shadow or informational
disappointing, but don’t be
interview.
— and how to stand out.
discouraged. Learning these
Diane Cantello, vice president
of corporate sustainability at Whether you’re looking for a Volunteer. If you already things now will only help you
The Hartford. “We are proud to part-time job, or starting to put know what you want to do, find the career path that’s right
partner with Boys & Girls together your resume, learn finding a volunteer opportunity for you.
30 Clubs of America to give teens about what hiring managers are is a great way to get hands-on Brandpoint