How Do You Prepare Now?
Okay, You are in middle or high school in Baltimore County. Great!
You have goals, things you want to achieve in your life, right?
You may be setting career goals, financial goals, academic goals, or other kinds of goals.
Now, while you’re in high school, is the time to prepare yourself for the kinds of careers Baltimore County can offer you!
• Take advanced courses.
Stretch yourself academically. You can handle more than you think. In math and science, make sure you take and pass at least algebra I and II, and biology and chemistry. Taking physics is important, too. Math and science skills are basic requirements for today’s good jobs – even in non-technical careers. Remember, too, that having strong written and verbal communications skills is a must! Employers today expect it. Consider taking Advanced Placement courses.
• Learn another language -- or two.
Business today is global. Practically any job will bring you into contact with people who speak other languages. Be prepared!
• Prepare for and take the SAT.
Preparing for and taking the SAT is a good idea even if you aren’t sure you will go to college. What you need to know to do well on the SAT will also be useful in your career or other post-secondary training programs.
Through its partnership with the College Board, Baltimore County Public Schools offers lots of resources to help you get ready. Ask your teacher or school counselor for more information.
• Participate in academic enrichment activities.
Participation in student government, Black Saga, M&T Bank 24 Challenge®, Model Congress, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, the Maryland Mathematics League, after-school clubs related to your interests, and/or academic or arts competitions will help you learn more about your strengths and interests.
In addition these activities can help you develop poise and confidence, learn to work as part of a team, and sharpen your leadership skills. All of these will be helpful as you move on to college and careers.
• Strengthen your study and research skills.
Learning how to find and retain information are essential skills for life.
Teachers and school counselors can assist you with organizational, study, and research tips, tools, and strategies.
• Consider internships, summer employment and job shadowing in your field of interest.
Getting your foot into the door of the work world is one of the best ways to gain an inside track to a career. Spending time with people who do what you want to do is a way to “try on” a career, gain experience, and meet individuals who may become your mentors – or future employers.
Talk to your school counselor about your options, or contact employers directly and ask.
Check out BCPS Career & Technology Education for more internship information.
• Explore a possible career in education.
Few if any careers are more important or rewarding than educating the next generation. Talented, dedicated teachers are always in demand, and there are other careers in education to explore also.
Visit the Human Resources section of the BCPS web site for more information in general, or BCPS Teacher Recruitment for more information on teaching careers. Also don’t miss information about a BCPS Scholarship Loan Program (PDF) designed to encourage and support recent BCPS graduates in becoming BCPS teachers.
• Investigate the opportunities offered in magnet programs.
If you already have a strong area of interest – in business, human services, the arts, finance, cosmetology, culinary arts, or dozens of other fields, you may want to consider a magnet program.
For more information on all of the offerings, please visit the BCPS Magnet pages.
source: Baltimore County Public Schools, March 2007
• Become a Maryland Scholar
One way to get yourself prepared for success in work and higher education AFTER your time in Baltimore County high school is to make yourself a Maryland Scholar.
The payoff for you can be big.