Spring 2019

9 / 24

SPRING 2019 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 9
ing curiosity and
excitement toward
participating in the
marketplace. Use your
networks to make in-
troductions to people
in occupations that
interest them and
match their vocation-
al design. Thinking
about a career sector
rather than a specific
occupation will generate a bigger list of options that match
their interests. Encourage them to prepare a list of questions by
Googling “informational interview.” Practice interview skills to
improve their confidence level.
Take advantage of the flexible schedule of homeschooling.
Facilitate opportunities to learn outside of the classroom
through part-time work, volunteering, and job shadowing. This
will help confirm interests as well as build a resume with skills
that employers value.
Set Goals and Take Action
By integrating the gathered information and identifying the
education, training, and skills needed for the career sectors,
plans and goals can be determined. Don’t worry about choosing
one specific occupation at this stage. Goals can be categorized
into one of these five pathways: four-year STEM-related college
degree; four-year liberal arts college degree; two-year voca-
tional degree or certificate; apprenticeship training, military, or
workforce; and gap year or travel.
Teens who have a healthy and productive level of guidance
and support from their parents have a much better chance at
making good college and career choices. Here are some ques-
tions to think about: Which post-secondary institutions offer the
programs needed? What is the cost for completion? How will it
be funded? Can affordable or free college credits be earned in
high school? What are the prerequisites or admission require-
ments? What courses should be completed during high school?
Besides education, what experiences or skills would be valued?
Together, you can develop a plan for high school, aligning them
to support post-graduation goals.
Many students are more motivated in their studies when they
have a defined purpose and have set personal goals. Those who
write down their goals are 50% more likely to achieve them.
Work to break down their goals into specific, manageable tasks
with timelines for completion. Change is constant, so capitalize
on preparations for success after high school, no matter what
they choose to pursue.
Cheri Frame is a homeschool parent of three graduates, a certified Career Direct®
Consultant, and author of Credits Before College: A Comprehensive High School to Gradu-
ation Guide. She specializes in advising parents and students on how to earn affordable
college credits in high school, choose a career, and graduate college debt-free. Cheri and
her husband live in suburban Minneapolis. Learn more at .
Article ©2019 Cheri Frame
Take advantage of the
flexible schedule of
homeschooling. Facilitate
opportunitites to learn
outside of the classroom...
A week-long summer leadership
experience that empowers teens
to change their world.
REGISTER TODAY:
Limited number of full-ride scholarships available
for Homeschool Iowa members! Check it out!