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Rarely do individuals choose their career based on a thorough evaluation of how different possible careers match their talents, values, and personality traits. Often, individuals are steered toward their career by chance events. That doesn't have to be the case. This generation has access to scientifically validated career assessments and a wealth of information about careers. It’s now possible to discover one’s potential career options through a more comprehensive and introspective process.

High schoolers may assume it's too early to think about a career, focusing solely on getting into college. However, most high school students are already choosing academic tracks which will significantly influence their college choices and subsequent career options. Unfortunately, these choices do not always align with the career they would find most rewarding. In fact, a Pew Research study found that 29% of college graduates report that selecting a different major would have better prepared them to get their ideal job. Career counseling can help students choose a direction, consciously and deliberately, and then explore academic opportunities which align with that direction.

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For students who feel that a four-year college is not their best path immediately after high school, we can explore gap year options or the many careers available without a bachelors degree.

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The Career Counseling Process at Lake Norman Student Counseling Services

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The career counseling process at Lake Norman Student Counseling Services begins with interviews with the student to explore strengths and values, followed by a minimum of three formal career assessments which have all been scientifically validated to assist students in their path toward career selection--the Strong Interest Inventory, Clifton Strengths, and the Myers Briggs Career Assessment. These instruments are designed to assess a student’s interests, strengths, and personality type within the context of career choice. After the assessments are complete, the student will receive a report of all results, along with detailed informational reports on the multiple career options which the student feels fit well with his or her traits. Through this process, the student will gain insight about themselves as well as extensive information about specific career options. They will become fully acquainted with the educational requirements, work expectations and hours, timeline, and expected salary for each career option they consider. Students will not be pressured into making a career choice before they are ready, but rather will be encouraged to identify their strengths and values and discover the possible destinations which best match those. In addition to helping teens determine good career choices for themselves, we will focus on flexibility and the importance of taking advantage of meaningful opportunities even when those ventures are not directly in line with their current goals. 

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Career counseling has benefits beyond the practical application of discovering a course of study.

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• It can strengthen academic motivation and self-esteem.

• It can enhance maturity by providing the context of a successful life beyond the immediate high school environment.

• It fosters excitement about the road ahead.

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