Many of us remember the days when our parents, teachers and coaches told us we could be anything we wanted to be. While they are still encouraging students to reach for the stars, they are also helping them keep one foot grounded. The economy is changing the way high schoolers are preparing for the future.
It’s career day at the Boiling Springs ninth grade campus, and it's hard to imagine that they are thinking about anything more than what they are doing after school. However, spend a few minutes with a student or two and you will find the economy has forced them to think about their futures.
Ninth grade student Ian Clevenger says, "I was planning to open my own restaurant, but I did research saying that it really doesn't succeed your first year normally." He’s scrapping that idea and plans to become an engineer. Career specialist Meghan Davis is seeing students steer away from dream jobs and toward those in demand. According to Davis, "People wanting to take a risk and do jobs such as open your own business, or do something like photography or something… a lot of students are stepping away from that and moving to fields like medical field… where they know a job will always be there." She says sometimes they can still do what they want to do with adjustments. "I think it's important not to crush their dreams, but maybe just say maybe you might consider doing that for a company that could help pay your salaries so that the burden is not all on you or do something on the side," says Davis.
Ian’s dream of opening a restaurant near the beach with his buddies is on hold for now, until the economy improves, he gets his engineering degree, and his two best friends become architects. Ian says, "They all have second plans like me.”
Davis says she encourages students to consider computer-related careers. Meanwhile, according to the New York Times some of the most high demand jobs right now are welders, critical care nurses, electrical lineman, special education teachers and respiratory therapists.
Career clusters: http://www.careerinfonet.org/videos_by_cluster.asp?id=27,&nodeid=28
Bad Times Spur a Flight to Jobs Viewed as Safe: http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20090125/znyt01/901253011
Make sure hot jobs are suitable fit: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_645598.html?source=rss&feed=4
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