Career Secrets for middle schoolers...

It is never too early to start planning for your future career. While it is probably too early to lock in every course selection for the next four years of high school, focusing on these topics can help you regardless of what career you choose:

1. Reading and Writing:
Regardless of whether you plan to get a four year college degree or go directly to work after high school, you will have to be able to read and understand what you are reading. In fact, several studies claim that those going directly into the workforce need better reading skills than those going directly to college. How do they explain this?

Manuals! With technology involved in every major profession and career, updates are constantly being distributed to workers. They are never as much fun to read as short stories or novels! Start getting ready for manuals by learning strategies to increase your reading comprehension.

Careers on every level are going to require good reading and writing skills, especially if a person wants to advance to the better paying positions.

2. Math and Science:
While math class might seem like an endless list of problems to solve, principles learned in these classes are embedded in almost every profession. Once you learn the practical applications for many of these concepts, you will save time and effort in the workplace.

For example, the carpenter who can calculate the exact dimensions for stairs without having to tear them down and rebuild, will become a more valued worker to the company. This translates into higher wages and more chances for advancement. When learning math and science concepts, ask your teacher how they are used in the working world.

3. Attendance:
One of the first rules for success is just being there. Businesses cannot get very much done if you are not there, whether the absence is excused or not. Colleges and other special programs do not want to waste a seat on someone who does not attend. Regardless of how talented you are, you are of little value to anyone if you are not present.

Employers confess that they often hire less talented employees simply because they have better attendance records. Develop the habit of attending school everyday. You will be amazed at the advantages it will provide you later in life.

4. Oral Communications:
Although you may have great ideas, they are useless unless you can communicate them to others. Learn how to express yourself verbally. Take classes and seek opportunities that require some form of public speaking. You will be amazed at what an advantage this gives you.

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