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Why Career Planning Matters Now More Than Ever

As we begin 2024, I feel compelled to draw attention to an increasing problem facing today's youth - the lack of career preparedness.

Author

Bryan Besecker
January 08, 2024

As we begin 2024, I feel compelled to draw attention to an increasing problem facing today's youth - the lack of career preparedness.

Despite living in an era of endless possibilities, the process for guiding students toward rewarding post-grad paths aligned to their talents is falling short.

The outcomes speak for themselves:

  • 75% of graduates report feeling unready to make informed career choices

  • 80% say more career exposure would have increased engagement

  • 13% of youth ages 18-24 are now classified as NEET - not employed, training, or studying

  • 40% of college students fail to complete their degree

Behind these concerning stats lies a system focused on academics and college, while critical career development gets overlooked.

Students then transition into the real world feeling directionless and overwhelmed. Many switch majors, drop out, or resign themselves to unfulfilling work. 

I recently documented these issues in-depth in a blog post, explaining why we need better career prep for youth. 

Compounding matters, bachelor's degrees are increasingly deprioritized by employers. 16 states have removed degree requirements from many jobs. Major corporations now hire based on skills over degrees.

Yet we continue funneling students toward college without career direction, rarely exposing promising alternatives like the trades currently desperate for workers.

The time has come to help prioritize the role of career preparation in education, equipping youth with self-knowledge and exposure before they transition out of high school.

The responses we receive from students highlight why career guidance is so urgently needed:

One of the biggest things it helped me understand was that it was ok to have multiple interests because there are many different ways that you can have a happy and purposeful life that serves those around you. I learned that you don't have to lock yourself into one path and be afraid of missing out on other opportunities.

At PathSpark, we guide students to self-discovery so they can connect with careers they’ll thrive in. But we can’t do it alone.

Will you join our mission to bring career clarity to students in 2024?

Here are a few easy ways to get involved:

  • Share about PathSpark’s work with parents and educators

  • Send student referrals our way

  • Simply lend your ideas and encouragement!

Let's come together to secure brighter futures for today's youth. They deserve to transition into rewarding careers they feel passionate about.

Gratefully,

Bryan