Concerns mount as high school graduates express uncertainty about their career

Key points:

New survey data reveals a number of troubling trends among high school graduates, including uncertainty regarding post-graduate plans, a notable gap in career exposure, and gender disparities in post-counseling experiences. From high school.

Statistics come from yoursciencea technology provider focused on solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers, in its YouScience Aptitude and Career Discovery solution and its nationwide consumer survey.

Worrying trends include:

1. Students do not feel prepared

The findings show that many students feel they need more preparation for the critical life transitions that follow graduation, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive support systems. In fact:

• Fifty-five percent of seniors reported that they chose not to pursue a four-year college or delayed the decision, a 14.6% increase from previous years.
• 31 percent of students said they have no confidence in their education or career path.

2. Professional exposure is limited

Investigation of more than 500,000 students demonstrates a vital problem in education today: an educational and career exposure gap. Despite having untapped potential for in-demand careers, students often need a clearer understanding of their skills and relevance to a variety of careers. Neglecting this issue deprives students of invaluable knowledge about their capabilities and their connections to the ever-changing landscape of career opportunities. Key findings include:

• 43 percent career exposure gap in Health Sciences majors (a field that is projected to grow 16 percent in the next decade)
• 75 percent career exposure gap in Computing and technology (a field that is projectedtechnology%2Fcomputer-and-information-research-scientists.htm&a=+” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>grow 23 percent in the next decade)

3. There are gender disparities

Several studies show that students, regardless of gender and race, are experiencing inequalities when it comes to post-secondary school preparation and exposure to in-demand careers.

• For example, this The report reveals that female high school graduates are increasingly seeking alternative paths to traditional four-year colleges or universities. Only 44 percent of female graduates in the class of 2023 chose to pursue a four-year college degree, compared to 53 percent of female graduates in the class of 2022.
• Male high school graduates showed a significantly higher level of preparation (60 percent) when selecting a career path or declaring a major upon graduation, in stark contrast to their female peers, among whom 36 percent expressed not feeling prepared for this fundamental decision.

Female, Black and Hispanic Students They have the skills necessary to fill the workforce skills gap that affects many industries today and in the future. For example:

• 87 percent more female students have an aptitude for careers in Computing and technology than interest
• 73 percent more black students have an aptitude for careers in Advanced Manufacturing than interest
• 69 percent more Hispanic students have an aptitude for careers in Computer Science and technology than interest

This collective data underscores the urgent need for parents and educators to provide students with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future paths and successfully navigate the complexities of adulthood.

“We are witnessing an increasing number of parents, consumers and school districts adopting YouScience ® Aptitude & Career Discovery. The urgency to help students across the country determine their paths has never been more pronounced,” said Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience. “Time and time again, we have seen that when students can recognize their innate aptitudes and leverage that information to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, their success is significantly amplified.”

Solutions: What Families Can Do

Families can participate and take advantage of existing tools and resources. Dawn Mann, a parent whose daughter used YouScience Aptitude & Career Discovery, shared, “My daughter used her aptitude assessment data to apply for several scholarships, which resulted in her entire tuition being covered, approximately $200,000. . These results facilitated her focus and guided her towards the ideal path for her, where she found the perfect place.”

In addition, the following actions may help:

Support students' personal exploration and career discovery.

Encourage your child to explore careers, college majors, and paths that include his or her interests and aptitudes. Engage in open conversations about their aspirations and help them identify potential career paths that align with their passions and skills.

Consider non-traditional paths

More than 50 percent of students delay or choose not to attend college. There are many reasons, including concern about taking on too much debt, interest in taking a break from formal education, or lack of clarity about what to study. Family members can help by having open conversations about nontraditional pathways that are in demand, pay well, and provide flexibility.

Take advantage of the tools available

Using various tools can help students understand what they are naturally good at and see where they can put those talents to use. These tools include career and skills discovery tools and workplace learning opportunities through internships or apprenticeship programs.

Develop the durable, in-demand soft skills needed to succeed in any field

It is important for students to continue to grow in their education. Encourage your students to develop the following skills that will always be in demand: critical thinking and problem solving, resilience and adaptability, communication and teamwork, financial literacy and management, and work ethic.

Explore internships

Highlight the benefits of practical experience gained through internships or apprenticeships, such as practical skills development, industry exposure and networking opportunities.

This press release originally appeared online.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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