Future Forward

Many specialized fields require a deep understanding of specific subjects. Students interested in engineering must select subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as these form the core knowledge required for engineering courses at university. The subjects a student chooses form the foundation of their future academic and professional journey.

STEM Subjects and Career Connections:

• Mathematics: Engineering, finance, data science, actuarial science

• Physics: Engineering, research, technology, aerospace

• Chemistry: Medicine, pharmaceuticals, environmental science

• Biology: Healthcare, biotechnology, environmental studies

• Computer Science: Technology, AI, cybersecurity, software development

Humanities and Career Connections:

• English: Journalism, law, marketing, publishing, education

• History: Law, politics, museum work, research, education

• Languages: Translation, international business, diplomacy, tourism

• Psychology: Counseling, human resources, marketing, healthcare

• Economics: Finance, business, government, consulting

A well-rounded education can serve you well in the job market as it demonstrates a broad knowledge base. In 2025, STEM and Humanities offer valuable career paths—STEM drives innovation and offers high-paying tech careers, while Humanities focus on ethics, culture, and human behavior skills in growing demand. A diverse range of subjects can provide a broader skill set and a more flexible career path.

Benefits of Balanced Subject Selection:

• Transferable Skills: Both technical and communication abilities

• Career Flexibility: Multiple pathways available

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Different approaches to challenges

• Better Collaboration: Understanding diverse perspectives

Electives allow students to test the waters outside their primary area of focus and may gain a new perspective on their professional calling. Employers seek candidates who have well-rounded backgrounds, and showing a diverse academic background demonstrates that you are versatile and enjoy learning. Studies show that elective study promotes better thinking and learning overall.

Strategic Elective Selection:

• Art and Design: Develops creative thinking and visual communication skills

• Foreign Languages: Improves vocabulary, grammar, and communicative skills

• Business/Entrepreneurship: Builds practical workplace skills

• Technology Courses: Provides digital literacy essential for modern careers

• Public Speaking/Drama: Develops presentation and confidence skills

Extracurricular activities help students build essential skills, explore interests, and prepare for academic and professional success. These activities provide valuable opportunities to develop new skills, explore interests, and meet new people. Students involved in out-of-class activities experience an 8% reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression.

Extracurricular activities can help you develop soft skills while exploring new career paths you might be interested in pursuing. Joining the debate club can help you learn public speaking, critical thinking, and presentation skills—abilities functional in almost any career. Working on the school newspaper can help you communicate more effectively, manage your time, and collaborate with others.

High-Impact Extracurricular Activities:

• Student Government: Leadership, public speaking, project management

• Debate Team: Critical thinking, research, public speaking

• School Newspaper: Writing, communication, and time management

• Drama Club: Creativity, collaboration, confidence building

• Science Club: Research skills, analytical thinking, teamwork

• Sports Teams: Teamwork, discipline, goal-setting

Volunteer opportunities available for teens can help determine the course of study you'd like to follow once you enter college. Finding service opportunities you are passionate about is vital to the experience, especially if you want to nurture a lifelong love for giving back. Treating your volunteer position like a real job shows professionalism and can lead to recommendation letters.

Career-Focused Volunteer Opportunities:

• Amnesty International: Applicable for International Relations, Political Science, Pre-Law

• Habitat for Humanity: Relevant for Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management

• Local Hospitals: Healthcare and medical field exploration

• Environmental Organizations: Sustainability and conservation careers

• Tech Nonprofits: Computer skills and digital literacy development

Summer career exploration programs provide opportunities to learn about different career pathways and expand work-related social skills. Programs like Berkeley College's Summer Youth Career Exploration Program offer courses in Business, Fashion, Graphic Design, Healthcare, and Justice Studies. These intensive programs help students make connections and gain practical experience.

Types of Summer Programs:

• University-Based Programs: Academic exposure and campus experience

• Industry-Specific Camps: Hands-on experience in particular fields

• Leadership Programs: Skill development and network building

• Internship Programs: Real workplace experience

• International Programs: Cultural exchange and global perspective

Young adults face pressure from peers and parents when choosing careers, and navigating these influences is crucial for long-term career satisfaction. According to studies, young adults aged 18-25 spend more than six hours a day "stressed out," with academic pressure and uncertainty about the future being top causes. The human brain doesn't develop out of adolescence until 25, so children should not be pressured to choose a career path definitively in high school.

A proper conversation is one of the best methods to convince your parents about your career interests. Family members often establish their career expectations with limited knowledge about the many types of careers. Most teenagers are happy to talk to their parents about career concerns—they expect you will be interested.

Effective Communication Tips:

• Research Your Interests: Talk about the research you did about the fields you want to pursue

• Present Facts: Share information about job prospects, education requirements, and growth potential

• Address Their Concerns: Understand what factors are most important to your family (stability, salary, prestige)

• Show Respect: Acknowledge their experience while asserting your autonomy

• Suggest Compromise: Propose exploring multiple options rather than dismissing their suggestions entirely

Conversation Starters:

• "I've been researching [career field] and here's what I've learned..."

• "I understand you want me to have financial security. Can we discuss different paths that might achieve that?"

• "What specific concerns do you have about [career interest]?"

Peer pressure can be particularly influential during the formative years of career decision-making. With social media platforms glorifying certain professions, young people may feel they must pursue similar paths to gain approval. Students worry about making choices that may affect them in the long run.

Strategies for Managing Peer Pressure:

• Focus on Your Values: Remember what matters most to you personally

• Limit Social Media Comparison: Understand that social media shows curated highlights, not reality

• Seek Diverse Perspectives: Talk to people in various fields, not just popular ones

• Remember Career Flexibility: Most people change careers multiple times

There's a misconception that people should have a career plan figured out by high school graduation, which can make students feel "behind" if they're unsure. Career anxiety is prevalent, especially during significant transitions that occur around ages 16-25. Understanding that career planning is an ongoing process helps reduce pressure.

Realistic Career Planning Expectations:

• Grade 9-10: Focus on self-discovery and exploration

• Grade 11-12: Narrow down interests and gain experience

• Post-Secondary: Continue learning and adapting

• Early Career: Expect pivots and continued growth

Myth-Busting Facts:

• Myth: "I need to know exactly what I want to do by graduation."

• Reality: Career planning is an ongoing process throughout life

• Myth: "My major determines my career forever.”

• Reality: One major can lead to many careers, and one career can be reached through many majors

• Myth: "Everyone else has it figured out."

• Reality: All of us are learning, growing, and navigating the unknown