Why should students investigate career interests? How might taking career assessments help a high school student? 

Taking career assessment aptitude and interest tests is useful because it helps students:

• Pick high school classes that will help them reach their career aspirations
• Identify their likes and dislikes
• Understand what careers align with their interests
• Get to know their personality type and how it relates to their day-to-day activities
• Reflect on values and strengths
• Determine what their work style is

As the cost of certification programs and colleges continues to rise, it is important for students to become familiar with their future career goals before their senior year.  When students wait until their last year of high school or first year of college to start exploring their interests, it may lead to unhappiness with high school or college courses, college major changes, career changes, and inevitably a longer college experience which means more tuition dollars!

Maia Learning - website is used by all TUHSD students to create their ECAPs, including making 4-year plans for post-secondary education. Students use character assessments to help them discover more about themselves and the careers and majors they may want to pursue. Students and families will use this tool to make plans about careers, colleges and financial aid. 

• Career and Technical Education Program - website – Another way students can explore careers is through Career Technical Education classes.

• Career Readiness Definition and Other FAQs - indeed website – Explores what Career Readiness means, what the benefits are and how to be ready.

• Career Readiness Skills - website – 7 Key Competencies for Career Readiness and real-world examples.

• Essential Career Readiness Skills Checklist for Parents - website – 10 Things parents can do to make sure students have what it takes to succeed in the world of work.

• Nepris - website – Connects educators and learners with a network of industry professionals virtually, bringing real-world relevance and career exposure to all students. Nepris also provides a skills-based volunteering platform for organizations to extend educational outreach, and build their brand among the future workforce.

• Yearup - website – Alternative path to education that provides skills based training leading to a paid internship and job.