November is National Career Development Month, the perfect time to explore how young people can begin building the foundation for their future careers.
Functioning as our students’ Second Family, Future Foundation aims to support our students in as many ways as possible, and preparing them for their careers is just one of those ways.
Careers aren’t just about choosing a job — they’re about discovering your potential and developing the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Understanding career development
Career development can seem daunting, but it’s also an incredible opportunity and journey of self-discovery. According to the National Career Development Association, students who engage in career planning during their school years are more likely to:
- Complete their education
- Find satisfying employment
- Develop valuable skills
- Build confidence in their future
But where are you supposed to start?
Starting your career journey
Self-discovery
The first step in career development is understanding yourself.
- What subjects are you most interested in?
- What problems do you enjoy solving?
- What activities make you lose track of time?
- What values are important to you?
With the job market constantly evolving, a career you might have never heard of might be ideal for you. Here are some examples of careers based on different interests:
If you like…
Technology and digital
Digital Marketing: Help businesses connect with customers online to sell their products or services using social medai and other forms of digital content.
Cybersecurity: Protect organizations from digital threats
Data analysis: Use numbers to tell stories and make business decisions
Sustainability and environment
- Renewable energy: Develop clean energy solutions
- Environmental planning: Create sustainable communities
- Conservation technology: Use innovation to protect natural resources
Health and wellness
- Mental health technology: Develop apps and technology to support mental wellness
- Telehealth coordination: Manage virtual healthcare services
- Health education: Teach communities about wellness prevention
When you think about growing a successful career, a few common careers may come to mind: doctor, lawyer, teacher, accountant; but even within these branches, there are so many more you might not even have thought about or knew existed, like the ones above.
In addition to the ones mentioned above, you could search even more careers based on your interests and things you want to learn. The world is truly full of possibilities if you let it.
But no matter the career pathway you choose, there are a few fundamental skills you can develop.
Fundamental skills
- Communication: Expressing ideas clearly and listen effectively to others — whether writing an email or giving a presentation
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing information to make informed decisions and solve complex problems
- Problem-solving: Finding creative solutions to challenges and breaking down big problems into manageable steps
- Teamwork: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals, even when opinions differ
And if you want to take it a step further… you can develop skills such as:
- Time Management: Organizing your schedule, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks effectively
- Leadership: Guiding and motivating others while taking responsibility for outcomes
- Adaptability: Being flexible and willing to learn as situations change — a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced world
What role does education play?
Education plays a crucial role in career development, but it’s important to understand learning takes many forms:
Traditional education: High school, college degrees, technical certifications
Alternative learning: Online courses, workshops, internships, mentorship programs, hands-on experience
Depending on the career you’re looking to get into will determine which education pathway is best for you.
Practical steps for career development
- While you’re in grade school, you can take advantage of the resources available to you:
- Explore your interests by joining school clubs and activities
- Volunteer in different fields to get a sense of what it’s like
- Take personality and career assessments
- Shadow professionals in fields you’re interested in
For parents and caregivers
- Support exploration of different interests
- Encourage skill development
- Share work experiences and insights
- Help connect with learning opportunities
- Maintain open dialogue about future goals
Resources at Future Foundation
- We’re here to support your career development journey with:
- One-on-one mentoring
- Skill-building workshops
- College and career preparation
- Professional development guidance
- Networking opportunities
The Power of Preparation
Our founder, Shareef, often emphasizes, “Success comes from being prepared for opportunities when they arise.” Career development isn’t about having all the answers today — it’s about building the foundation to help you recognize and take advantage of opportunities tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
Remember that career development is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay if your interests and goals change over time. What’s important is developing the skills, knowledge, and mindset that will help you adapt and thrive in whatever path you choose.