In 9th grade explore interests; in 10th test them with classes, clubs and job shadows; in 11th narrow your options, visit programs and get work or volunteer experience; in 12th apply to college, trade school or apprenticeships, complete the FAFSA and line up a first job or summer plan.
Why start in high school?
High school is the cheapest place to explore careers. Classes, clubs, part-time jobs and career and technical education (CTE) programs let you test ideas without tuition bills, and some even give you college credit or industry credentials.
9th grade: Explore
- Take the free Career Match Quiz and Work Style Quiz.
- Read a few day-in-the-life profiles for careers that catch your eye.
- Join one club or activity connected to an interest (robotics, health sciences, business, art, student government).
- Build good study habits: grades matter for many programs.
10th grade: Test
- Choose electives tied to your interests, including CTE courses such as health science, construction, IT or automotive.
- Ask about dual enrollment courses that earn college credit.
- Job shadow someone for a day or do an informational interview.
- Volunteer in settings related to your interests (hospital, animal shelter, community events).
11th grade: Narrow
- Shortlist two or three career directions and compare them with the Career Decision Worksheet.
- Decide which path fits: college vs. trade school vs. apprenticeship.
- Visit colleges, trade schools and training centers using our visit checklist.
- Take the PSAT, SAT or ACT if your path requires it.
- Get a part-time or summer job. Any job builds reliability and references.
- Consider early credentials such as CPR/First Aid, OSHA 10 or a CTE industry certification.
12th grade: Act
- Apply to colleges, trade programs or apprenticeship programs early.
- Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens to qualify for aid (see paying for training).
- Apply for scholarships: local ones are often less competitive.
- If you’re going straight to work, polish your resume and practice interviewing.
- Make a summer plan: work, training or a structured gap year.
Tips for parents and guardians
Ask open questions, share your own career story honestly (including detours), help your teen meet people in fields they’re curious about and support exploring options beyond the four-year default.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plan if I’m a senior?
Not at all. Focus on choosing a solid first step (a program, apprenticeship or job) and keep exploring as you go.
What are CTE programs?
Career and technical education programs teach job skills in fields like health science, construction, IT and manufacturing, often with industry credentials and work-based learning.
Keep reading
College vs. Trade School: How to Decide
Compare four-year college, community college, trade school and apprenticeships on cost, time, pay and career options, and use a simple framework to decide which path fits you.
Paying for College and Career Training: FAFSA, Grants & More
How to pay for college, trade school and career training: the FAFSA, Pell Grants, scholarships, workforce (WIOA) funding, employer tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits and paid apprenticeships.
Your First Job: How to Find It and Succeed
How to land your first job with no experience (where to look, what to put on a first resume, how to interview) and the habits that make you stand out once you’re hired.
Apprenticeships: How Paid On-the-Job Training Works
What a registered apprenticeship is, how pay and training work, which careers offer apprenticeships, how to find and apply to one and how to prepare for the entrance test.