not just making plans but aligning them with purpose & wisdom

Navigating Your Career Journey

A Guide for Teens

Thinking about your future can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. You might feel pressure to have it all figured out, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do yet. This stage of life is all about exploring, discovering what excites you, and learning more about yourself.

You’ve probably heard that after high school, your main options are college, the military, or a trade—but your future isn’t limited to just those three lanes. There are so many more paths to a fulfilling career, and some of them might surprise you. Whether you’re creative, hands-on, entrepreneurial, tech-savvy, people-focused, or still figuring it out, there are opportunities out there that align with who you are.

This guide is here to help you start that journey with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming big, feeling unsure, or somewhere in between, your future is full of possibility—and it starts with just one step forward.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path after high school—and that’s a good thing. The chart below highlights a variety of routes you can take to build a meaningful career. Whether you’re earning certifications, starting a business, or learning through hands-on experience, each path offers its own unique opportunities. Explore what fits you best—your journey is yours to shape.

🧭 Route Exploration

RouteDescription
Certs + WorkStack certifications with hands-on jobs to build a powerful résumé.
CollegeEarn a college degree to enter a a career that requires it. Think teachers, school administrators, doctors, lawyers, registered nurses, etc. Take advantage of dual enrollment to save time and money on your degree.
EntrepreneurshipStart small — learn business by doing.
InternshipBegin on-the-job, paid training typically in tech, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Organic RouteStart in a job or field of interest and gradually shape it into something you love.
Two-Job RouteWork for money to live on while exploring your passion on the side. Build a portfolio of work you’re perfecting on the side.

📝 How Do I Get Started?

To help you narrow down a career path that fits you, start at the end—by exploring job postings that align with your interests, values, and any personal constraints. Remember, this doesn’t have to be your forever career. Most people explore one path and later pivot—sometimes more than once—as they grow and discover new passions throughout their lives.

  1. Field of Interest: Explore job listings on employment sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn. This will give you valuable insight into current industry trends, in-demand roles, and typical job requirements. Your field of interest can be broad and shaped by specific preferences or constraints—such as minimum salary, location (including hybrid or remote options), desired shift, education level, or industry focus.
  2. Qualifications and Salaries: Compile a list of qualifications required for positions that appeal to you. Additionally, research salary ranges to set realistic expectations for your future earnings. Utilize Glassdoor, Salary.com, or Salary Transparent Street to determine salary ranges if necessary.
  3. Education and Certifications: If education or certifications are prerequisites, diligently search for the most cost-effective and efficient ways to acquire them, considering online courses or local programs.
  4. Job Experience: Look for entry-level positions in your field of interest to start building valuable hands-on experience. Job search platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn are great tools for discovering opportunities that can launch your career. Even better, identify companies you admire and explore the career sections of their websites—many organizations post openings there first, and it shows initiative when you seek them out directly.
  5. Networking: Connect with professionals in your field by scheduling conversations with those already working in the industry. Their insights can guide you in making informed decisions about your career path.
  6. Career Path Planning: Begin charting your career path by researching the costs associated with required education and certifications. Create a roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve your goals. Use resources at Ohio Means Jobs.
  7. Financial Aid: Explore scholarship and grant opportunities to alleviate the financial burden. Many organizations offer financial assistance to support individuals pursuing education and career development.
  8. Budgeting for Loans: If student loans become necessary, identify entry-level jobs in your area that provide sufficient income to cover loan payments. Aim for positions that ideally allow you to repay loans within five years post-education.
  9. Consult with Professionals: Before committing to student loans, engage in meaningful conversations with two or more individuals working in your chosen field. Watching the documentary, Borrowed Future, may assist in gaining insights into loan specifics, ensuring you fully understand the implications and repayment expectations.

By following these steps, you can strategically prepare for your future career, making informed decisions that align with your goals and aspirations.

🔁 Learn from the Experience of Others

Below is a chart that illustrates my unique career journey—a path that has taken me through multiple industries, included completing my bachelor’s degree while being a stay-at-home mom, and ultimately led to my re-entry into the workforce. Throughout this experience, I’ve discovered that my interests span a wide variety of roles and fields. While I once saw this broad curiosity as unusual, learning about my Working Geniuses—Wonder and Galvanizing—has helped me reframe that perspective. These innate strengths have shown me that I thrive in environments where I can ask meaningful questions, generate ideas, and rally others toward a common goal—regardless of the industry.

This understanding has empowered me to view my diverse background as an asset rather than a detour. Each step of my journey has shaped the professional I am today: curious, driven, and energized by possibility.

To any teens just beginning their own career path: know that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Your journey doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful or successful. Explore different interests, take chances, and pay attention to what energizes you. The things that make you different may just be your greatest strengths. Embrace the twists and turns—they are often where the most growth and self-discovery happen. Your path is uniquely yours, and it’s full of possibility.

💡Helpful Resources