In Gary Vaynerchuk’s recent video, My Reaction to the 2019 College Admissions Scandal, he states, “If a parent thinks a kid’s accomplishment is a reflection of them, now you have a disconnect. Now you’re not a parent and a child. You’re a person with a product .”
Times are changing in the economy and workforce at a rapid pace. Parents, guardians, and teachers need to pay attention and listen to our young people, while providing the right type of guidance to help our newest generation thrive.
Projections show that by 2020, 43% of the U.S. workforce will be freelancers according to Nasdaq.
There are various reasons for this shift in the economy. Today, many employers are looking to hire consultants to save money, and workers tend to enjoy the freedom and autonomy that comes with freelancing. However, one issue we continue to face is the lack of education in critical areas before high school graduation.
During senior year in high school, all students should have access, knowledge, and experience within these top six areas of education below. For those who do not receive this information at school, it is best for parents or guardians to help guide their children with this information so they are ready for the unknown world of entrepreneurship, the economy, and career choices.
Financial education and career choices
Before high school graduation, every senior should have access to financial education. Many high schools don’t tend to teach financial literacy. Parents and guardians can begin teaching and displaying good financial choices when kids are young.
Before jumping off to college, seniors should know about the many choices available to them when it comes to life after graduation. For some, high school graduates may be better off going to trade schools, community colleges, and finding workforce placements rather than attending a full four-year university.
Not every student is made out to go to college, and that is okay.
High school seniors should know how student loans work along with student debt they can face in the future. Students should be aware that it is almost impossible to get rid of student debt, and understand the long-term financial responsibilities. These financial responsibilities are present immediately even if students do not graduate college.
Also, one-third of college students drop out entirely. More than half of students enrolled in college take more than six years to graduate, and 57% of students complete their courses after six years. Of that 57%, 33% of those students drop out entirely, according to Credit Donkey.
Finally, students should understand how to create a budget, build credit, buy a home, purchase a car, open a bank account, invest money in stock, and learn how to make smart financial choices. They should also know how credit cards work, understand monthly fees and paying back interest. Most schools do not teach this important information, and students can end up in dire financial stress without this education.
Hands-on learning and career shadowing
Before students start college or jump into a job, they should shadow various careers in which they have interest within a live setting. Hands-on and real-life experience can provide students with a deep understanding of what a day-to-day job is like in a particular field. Many kids choose majors based on parental and high school pressure and expectations. Unfortunately, many young people can end up quite unhappy with their choices.
Also, many students tend to pivot their majors when they learn more about their chosen field. This change can typically cause a significant loss in money due to dropping and changing courses they do not need for graduation. When students have early access to understanding their potential work interests, which can include the culture, climate, and expectations of a role, they have a much better chance of choosing the right career path. Quite often, we see young students who graduate with an incredible amount of debt, and a degree that ends up useless because they don’t want to pursue their original career goals.
When students have access to hands-on learning in different career fields, they can have a significant future advantage before making college or trade school decisions.
Meeting with business leaders and entrepreneurs
High school seniors should also have access to successful entrepreneurs. They should have the chance to see what it’s like to work in the entrepreneurial world, so they can understand the many challenges and wins that can come with building a business. Students can ask successful entrepreneurs questions, and can learn critical information shadowing business owners.
Given that 50% of the expected economy will be in freelancing rolls by 2021, it is in every student’s best interest to understand how to find opportunities, solve problems, learn how to pitch a service or product, and find investors. Meeting with business leaders and entrepreneurs are excellent ways for students to build new relationships and potentially find life-long mentors.
Understanding that opportunities are everywhere, we can provide young people with the ability to build businesses that can change lives. The opportunities to create an online business are endless, and many young entrepreneurs are already starting their own companies.
Networking
Before students graduate high school, they should know how to network properly-both online and off-line. One of the most critical things high school students need to know is how to transform their online digital presence from a personal to a professional mode. High school students should know how to use the Internet to network in the business world while building out their personal brands so they can find opportunities and learn how to stand out from the crowd.
Most students know how to use social media for communication, but that doesn’t mean they know how to present themselves or use platforms for business means. The line between too personal and professional is a critical one, and students need to understand that their digital footprint does not go away.
LinkedIn profile
High school students should be running from Snapchat and Instagram, and walking over to LinkedIn to create their new business profile. Having a LinkedIn profile early on in their careers can help them get ahead that much faster. They can build out business contacts, learn how to network, find mentors, and pivot their communication style from a personal communication style toward a professional manner. Students can also find different opportunities to grow their brands through programs such as LinkedIn for Students.
Supportive community
There are various ways students can find support and like-minded individuals while they are in high school and beyond. Having a personal mentor can change the lives of both mentors and mentees in positive ways. And, students can typically find communities of support both in brick and mortar locations as well as online in different groups and forums.
For example, there is a growing community initiative with a scaled focus group on Facebook titled “Mentors & Mentees.” This organization is for students and professionals who want to take charge of their careers. Tim Salau, Chief Community Lead at “Mentors & Mentees” has accomplished incredible growth within the community he built. Salau has been recognized by Forbes and Wall Street Journal. He has worked with Microsoft, Facebook, and Google all before the age of 24. He is a current product marketing manager with WeWork leading the Future of Work!
Today, the community is 6,500 members strong and consists of a global audience of members from all over the world from nations such as Nigeria, The UK, Canada, and Kenya. “Mentors & Mentees” offers a mentorship program that matches young professionals and mentors who can provide early-career guidance with industry leaders.
These leaders can help them develop the soft skills and leadership traits they need to help them land and thrive within the right roles.
They also have active chapters in four hubs including Houston, Seattle, Austin, and San Francisco. In each chapter, community leads create small meet-ups for local members. These initiatives can consist of career development workshops or inviting local guest speakers to help members grow in their careers.
The community is a destination for high school seniors who are seeking a supportive career mentorship community while they embark on college and define their career goals.
