Start planning for your future career as early as middle school, experts advise
High school students need to do more than be ready for the new school year. They are also planning for future careers.
Millbrook High School is one of many that offer freshman orientation two weeks ahead of the start of classes.
Vanessa Barnes, Dean of Students with Wake County Public Schools, said orientation starts with "making sure [students] know all of the counselors in the department and how to get in touch with them."
Barnes and a team of counselors are a vital resource for students, including rising senior Kayla Sparks. Sparks began exploring her college options with counselors in 10th grade.
"We would just sit down talking about what I was interested in, what colleges I would be looking at and what I wanted in a college," said Sparks.
"Many students begin now to begin building their high school transcripts when they are in middle school," Barnes added.
That early start allows students, along with their parents, to make every class choice and extracurricular activity count toward their career goals.
Sparks loves the arts and now believes she should pursue architecture as a career. She’s applying to three colleges.
"My top two are Howard University and SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design)," said Sparks.
Another part of planning for college is figuring out how to pay for it. "Now that the FAFSA portal or Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens in early October, we make sure that we have a parent night in September," said Barnes.
It’s worth noting, due to COVID-19, ACT and SAT tests are now optional at many colleges and universities. However, some scholarship programs still require them.
Even for students with good grades and great talent, scholarships are not guaranteed. Sparks is staying positive.
"It’s enjoyable. I like the thought of planning out my future, but it can be stressful. There’s a lot to think about and a lot of things to do to prepare for," she said.
Barnes stresses a holistic approach to helping each student, even if college is not their goal. She says counselors are just as ready to help students who choose the military or go straight into the world of work.
