Career Planning

Career planning starts now. Discover your passions, learn about in-demand careers and take steps toward the future you want.

Resources

How to use LinkedIn

Why Use LinkedIn?

Show off your achievements
Connect with mentors and professionals
Find internships and volunteer opportunities
Learn about careers, companies, and colleges

Step 1: Set Up Your Profile
Profile Photo: Use a clear, friendly headshot
Headline: Example: High School Student | Future Nurse | Passionate About Helping People
About Section: Write 2–3 sentences about your interests and goals

Step 2: Add Your Experience
Clubs, sports, and leadership roles
Volunteer work or school projects
Special classes (CTE, AP, or dual enrollment)

Step 3: Highlight Your Skills
Examples: teamwork, Canva, Java, public speaking
Ask teachers or coaches to endorse your skills

Step 4: Build Your Network
Connect with teachers, counselors, classmates, and family
Include a short message when connecting:
"Hi! I’m building my LinkedIn network and would love to stay connected."

Step 5: Learn and Explore
Follow companies and careers you're interested in
Search for internships or student programs
Watch “A Day in the Life” career videos

Step 6: Stay Active
Like and comment on posts
Share your achievements (e.g., honor roll, certifications)
Celebrate your friends’ and classmates’ wins too
Stay Safe: Keep things professional. Don’t share your home address or personal contact info.

Get started on LinkedIn

Explore the career readiness roadmap

Goal	Description	Suggested Grade	Link/Action
Explore three career clusters	Learn about careers in at least three fields	9-10	CareerOneStop
Take a career interest survey	Discover your strengths and interests	9-10	MyNextMove
Meet with a counselor	Talk about goals and graduation requirements	9	Counselors
Create a resume	Build a basic resume with school and work experience	10-11	Resume builder
Visit a workplace or job shadow	Experience a real job in action	10-12	Local career events
Practice interview skills	Do a mock interview or use an online tool	10-12	Interview warmup
Build a LinkedIn profile or portfolio	Optional, but helpful for internships and jobs	11-12	LinkedIn
Apply for an internship or summer job	Put your skills into action	11-12	Local listings
Complete FAFSA or MN Dream Act	Needed for college and career training aid	12	FAFSA
Apply to a postsecondary program	College, trade school, or training program	12	Minnesota State
Create a two-year or four-year plan	Plan your next step after high school	12	Plan Builder

Resume Support

A resume is like your personal highlight reel. It’s a short document that shows off your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Whether it's for a job, internship, college, or a volunteer opportunity. A strong resume helps you get noticed and can open the door to interviews and new opportunities.

Grade-level Career Readiness Checklist

Grade 9

Grade 9: Self-Discovery & Awareness

Take a career interest inventory or personality assessment.
Explore personal values, skills, and work habits.
Begin a career portfolio.
Learn about career clusters and pathways.
Develop soft skills: communication, responsibility, teamwork.
Join clubs or extracurricular activities.
Create a basic résumé or activity list.
Set academic and personal goals.
Understand GPA and transcript importance.

Grade 10

Grade 10: Career Exploration

Research 2–3 career clusters in depth.
Conduct informational interviews or attend guest speaker events.
Participate in job shadows or career fairs.
Take electives that match interests.
Update résumé and portfolio with new experiences.
Use career planning tools like Naviance or Xello.
Explore CTE, dual credit, or certification opportunities.
Learn about financial literacy and education costs.
Review and update career goals.

Grade 11

Grade 11: Career Preparation

Identify top 2–3 career interests and next steps.
Get real-world experience (internships or volunteering).
Take ACT, SAT, or other career assessments.
Visit post-secondary institutions or programs.
Build a résumé and write a sample cover letter.
Practice job or college interviews.
Complete certifications or training programs.
Start college or scholarship applications.
Update career portfolio with experiences.

Grade 12

Grade 12: Career Launch & Transition

Finalize and submit applications (college, job, etc.).
Complete FAFSA and apply for aid/scholarships.
Polish résumé and prepare for interviews
Complete a senior capstone or internship.
Create a post-graduation plan.
Develop life skills (budgeting, scheduling).
Meet with your counselor to finalize steps.
Attend senior career readiness events.
Graduate with a completed career portfolio.