How to explore a professional journey in high school?

I've been hearing a lot about how important it is to explore your professional journey before jumping into college. What are some ways I can do this while still in high school? Are there any clubs, internships, or workshops I should consider joining? I'm open to any suggestions!

Exploring your professional interests in high school can be extremely beneficial in helping you make better-informed decisions about your college major and future career. Here are some ways to explore various professions and interests while still in high school:

1. Join clubs or organizations: Look for clubs and organizations within your school or local community that align with your interests. For example, if you're interested in business, consider participating in DECA or FBLA. For future engineers, consider joining a robotics team or an engineering club. By joining these organizations, you'll get hands-on experience, develop new skills, and discover what you may (or may not) enjoy doing in a professional setting.

2. Job shadowing: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and ask if you could shadow them for a day or two. By observing their daily tasks, you'll gain insights into the field and develop a better understanding of what the job entails.

3. Internships and volunteering: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in industries that interest you. These opportunities can help you gain real-world experience, develop new skills, and make valuable connections, all of which can help you better understand your professional interests.

4. Attend workshops or conferences: Many industries and professional organizations host workshops, conferences, or seminars that are accessible to high school students. Attending these events can give you exposure to the latest trends and advancements in the field and help you further understand your interests. Additionally, attending career fairs at your school or in your community can expose you to various job options and allow you to connect with professionals in different fields.

5. Online resources and self-learning: Utilize online resources to explore different industries and fields. Websites like Coursera and edX offer free courses in a wide range of subjects, giving you the chance to explore different areas without any commitment. You can also research various fields on websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and take career interest surveys, such as the Holland Code Test, which can help you identify potential career paths.

6. Summer programs: Many colleges and organizations offer summer programs tailored to high school students. These programs typically focus on specific fields of study, such as STEM, humanities, or the arts, which can help you explore your interests in-depth and potentially solidify your career aspirations.

By immersing yourself in various experiences related to your interests, you'll gain a better understanding of what you enjoy and what you don't, which will help you make more informed decisions about your college major and career path. Good luck, and enjoy exploring your professional journey!