March 29, 2023
By Elida Kuka
Staff Writer
A high school education is meant to provide students with academic knowledge, but what it often fails to do is educate them about careers. With few exceptions, this is the case at LHS, where students learn about various topics that are unlikely to be applicable to them once they enter the workforce.
There are a few dual enrollment classes like Accounting I, Journalism and Introduction to Education along with Virtual High School classes like engineering where students can receive career education, but this is not the norm among LHS’ electives.
Schools including LHS should consider adding classes, programs and workshops that help students figure out what they are interested in, whether that be identifying a college major or introducing students to the option of attending trade school after graduation. Attending programs and workshops may appeal to students more than enrolling in career-related classes because they do not require the same level of commitment and can serve as a valuable introduction to the subject matter.
Internships are another good way to learn about careers. Schools should encourage students to apply for internships during the school year and summer so they can get hands-on experience and exposure to careers of interest to them. Furthermore, internships look amazing on resumes and college applications.
While LHS needs more career-related course offerings, its clubs–which include the Environmental Club, Future Business Leaders of America Club, Law Enforcement Club, Medical Club, Mock Trial Club and Wonder Girls Club–all do a good job of exposing students to careers.
When schools offer their students more exposure to careers, the learning environment is enriched and student achievement grows.
In the Medical Club, students are exposed to CPR and paramedic training. In the Law Enforcement Club, students learn about criminal justice and take a field trip to the Bergen County Jail.
When schools offer their students more exposure to careers, the learning environment is enriched and student achievement grows.
When schools guide students in their careers and academics, students feel better about their education. Therefore, they are more likely to give back to their alma maters in the years after graduation. For instance, they could donate to the Music or Athletics Department, or they could contribute money to a scholarship.
Career education would also boost attendance, graduation rates and college enrollment because students would be more focused on reaching a specific goal.
If high school students had the right preparation, more of them would enter college with a major in mind instead of registering undecided. Waiting until one’s freshman or sophomore year of college to declare a major is not necessarily negative, but it can be a waste of time and money if a student spends years without selecting a course of study or setting a career goal.
There is no downside to exposing students to careers in high school, but the benefits are significant. Moving forward, schools including LHS should allocate more resources, staff and time to career education so every graduate has a plan for professional success.
