Career Planning Information

Post-Secondary Options
As you begin preparing for life after high school, you will be presented with different options: 4-year college, 2-year college, trade/technical school, employment, or enlisting in the military. Making a career decision is not so much choosing a path, but rather selecting which doors to open. The earlier you begin the process, the more options you will find. The most important aspect of this decision-making process at this point in your life is pursuing your options. This will allow you to continue to learn what you do not yet know, explore new interests, and discover new worlds.

When deciding what direction to pursue after high school, you must know yourself and understand your interests, talents, and abilities.
Interests – What are you interested in—working with people, working alone, working indoors or outdoors?
Education – What courses have you taken? Are you comfortable with academic challenges? Do you want to continue with college or a training program after high school?
Skills and Abilities – Make a list of your skills and abilities. Include your organizing skills, your leadership skills, and your special talents.
Experience – What has been your involvement in clubs, social activities, travel, summer study, volunteer or paid employment? Have you had any leadership opportunities in these activities?
Values – What are your beliefs and attitudes towards yourself, other people and the world?
Strengths/Areas of Improvement – What are your best personal qualities? What attributes do you want your potential employer to know about you? What do you want to improve?
Naviance

Naviance is a college and career readiness program that connects academic achievement to post-secondary goals. Students begin using Naviance in middle school and continue through graduation, attending two sessions per year with counselors to work on career planning.

Students are encouraged to use Naviance to:
• Research careers
• Complete interest inventories
• Build and update resumes

Students will use Naviance to:
• Create resumes
• Request recommendations for jobs or college applications

Post-Secondary Options

After high school, students can pursue 4-year or 2-year college, trade/technical school, employment, or military service. Early exploration opens more opportunities and helps students discover interests and strengths.

Key factors to consider:
Interests – Working with people, alone, indoors, or outdoors?
Education – Courses taken and comfort with academic challenges?
Skills & Abilities – Leadership, organization, and special talents?
Experience – Clubs, travel, work, volunteerism, leadership roles?
Values – Beliefs and attitudes toward self and others?
Strengths & Improvements – Qualities to highlight and areas to grow

Career Resources

PAHS students can explore careers, which includes career assessments by visiting the following sites.
Career Cornerstone
Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net
PA Career Zone

PAHS students are encouraged to explore employment opportunities. 
Suggested websites 
Career Builder
Indeed
Monster
ZipRecruiter

Career Opportunities

Training programs offer practical skills for various vocations and are available through public and private sources. Options include:
Americorps
Apprenticeships
Job Corps
ABC Eastern

Technical & Professional Schools: Programs in business, technology, cosmetology, auto mechanics, culinary arts, and building trades. Lengths range from 3 months to 2 years, with flexible scheduling and varying tuition. Many are offered through community colleges and private institutions.

Employment: Preparing for full-time work after graduation requires a well-crafted resume. Your resume is your first impression—plan, create, and edit carefully. Meet with your School Counselor for guidance and resume tips.

Military Opportunities

Students can explore careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Reserves. ROTC programs allow college students to enter as officers, while military academies offer top-tier education for academically gifted students.

Interested students should speak with recruiters from different branches to learn about training, education, and career paths. Recruiters visit PAHS throughout the year and are available during lunch periods.

Helpful Resources:
Requirements to Join the Military
Today's Military

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