If you’re in high school, you might not know exactly what you want to do with your career. We’re here to tell you that’s ok! Many people don’t know what they want to do well into adulthood, but there are lots of things you can do today to improve your employability and set you up for your future career, whatever that may be.
So, what is “employability”? Employability skills are key skills you need in almost any job, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. The great news is you’re probably already building these skills in different areas of your life.
Let’s take a closer look at recognising opportunities to improve your employability skills and open doors to a variety of career opportunities.
Communication
When you’re working, communication means making sure you say what you mean and understand what others are saying. It’s not just talking – it’s also about listening and understanding each other without words, like through body language.
You can get better at communication by:
- Doing written school assignments and reports.
- Using social media or writing blogs.
- Giving presentations in class.
- Working in a customer service role.
- Joining clubs or groups in your community where you meet a variety of different people.
Teamwork
Teamwork is about working together with others to achieve goals. You’ll do this in school projects or when volunteering. It’s also about figuring out how to work well with others, whether it’s at work or on a sports team.
You can improve teamwork by:
- Doing group projects at school.
- Volunteering for community groups.
- Finding ways to work better with your classmates or colleagues.
- Playing on a sports team and cooperating with teammates.
Planning and Organisation
Planning and organising means figuring out what you need to do and how to do it. It’s about making schedules and getting things done on time.
You can get better at planning and organising by:
- Making a study plan and sticking to it.
- Planning trips or outings by yourself using public transport.
- Balancing school, work, and extra-curricular activities.
- Helping to plan an event with family or friends
What employability means in our early careers
Employability is all about being ready to start your professional career, it involves developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to get and succeed in your first job.
Work on your soft skills
Landing a job today requires more than just good grades. Companies look for people with a range of skills and experiences. Working or volunteering while in school helps you develop job-related skills and important soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Employers value real-world experience, even a few hours a week, and the extra pocket money is a nice bonus. Getting involved in activities outside of school, like sports or clubs, also builds valuable skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, which are useful in any job.
Choose the right plan after high school
Figuring out what to do after high school—whether it’s a trade, traveling, university, or jumping into work—needs a plan. If you’re thinking about university, make sure to pick the right course and campus. Look at the campus vibe and what courses they offer. Check out subject guides, go to events, and get all the info you can to make the best choice for your future.
Enjoy the ride
Finally, make sure that you are having fun in the process. High school is a safe place to learn, explore and test new interests – try and get amongst it. To get more great tips, head to our dedicated career advice page.
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