Starting your career journey? Wondering how to get where you want to go? Explore our collection of career resources designed to help young people and students kickstart their careers.
Career Exploration Resources
Before you can chart a course, you need to choose your destination. Where do you want your career to take you? Which industries align with your goals and values? With SkillUp’s career exploration resources, you can discover new opportunities, learn more about which jobs match your work style, and make a plan for job satisfaction and success.
- Explore careers for young adults: You deserve a career that works for you. Browse SkillUp’s collection of growing careers that take less than 1 year of affordable or FREE training.
- Consider apprenticeships: Interested in a new career, but need training first? An apprenticeship program may be the answer you’re looking for.
- Get career advice: In such a chaotic job market, how do young job seekers in particular stand out from the crowd? Explore our career advice for young adults.
- Discover skill-based opportunities: Degrees aren’t always the key. Find jobs for young adults that hire based on skills, not just your level of education.
Resume Support
Make a stellar first impression with our resume support resources. Learn how to craft a concise resume that will grab recruiters’ attention.
- Download our resume template: Create a clean, professional resume with our free downloadable template.
- Update your resume: Is your old resume collecting dust? Give it a spring cleaning with these tips before sending it out for your next job opportunity.
Skill-Building for Students
Students and young people are often short on experience, but skill-building can fill those gaps on your resume and communicate your competence.
- Teach your tech skills: Many young people forget that their proficiency with technology is a learned skill. Consider teaching what you know to seniors.
- Build skills that pay the bills: Invest in the soft skills (e.g., effective communication) and hard skills (e.g., bookkeeping) that promise the brightest futures.
Interview Support
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never experienced one before. SkillUp provides interview support so you can feel confident that you’re putting your best foot forward for every job opportunity.
- Free interview coaching session: Learn from our “Ace the Interview” career coaching session to prepare for your next opportunity.
- Virtual interview tips: Is your next interview taking place over Zoom? Check out our video so you can project confidence from the tiny screen.
- Practice common interview questions: Prepare compelling answers for those tried-and-true questions that are bound to come up in your next interview.
Job Training Programs for Young Adults
Know which career you’re interested in, but need training to achieve your goals? Youth job programs offer training opportunities for the next generation with the promise of employment at the end.
- Earn-and-learn programs: Get paid to train for the job of your dreams with earn-and-learn programs.
- Student discounts & financial support: Many companies want to invest in students who are pursuing higher job qualifications. Be sure to ask about available student discounts, tuition reimbursement, or financial aid programs to get the support you need to succeed.
How SkillUp Can Help
SkillUp is dedicated to helping young people secure high-opportunity employment. Whether you’re a recent graduate struggling with a volatile job market or a young person forging their own career path, SkillUp provides resources to young job seekers regardless of their degree-holding status. The careers we promote and help young people train for promise a living wage and high growth potential. Hear from young people just like you who were able to break into their dream careers with the help of SkillUp.
Find Youth Employment Opportunities Near You
Ready to kickstart your career with SkillUp? Get personalized recommendations for youth training programs and job opportunities near you.
Youth Career Support Online
Remote work can provide essential work/life balance. Explore jobs for young adults and training programs offered nationally for remote workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is Career Exploration?
Career exploration is the process of finding employment that aligns with your skills, goals, values, and preferences. Instead of simply considering job titles, career exploration involves digging into your motivations, interests, and capabilities, as well as what’s available on the current job market.
What Is Skill Development?
Skill development involves acquiring or enhancing your abilities. You may earn certifications or titles depending on which skills you choose to develop.
Workers often invest time in skill development at the outset of their careers or when they’re considering a career transition. Many young people seek degrees to develop their skills, but several different opportunities can facilitate skill development, including:
- Job programs for young adults
- Trade school
- Apprenticeships
- Online modules
What Skills Are Essential to Secure Your First Job?
Different careers require specific hard skills for entry-level workers. However, many soft skills can prepare first-time workers for careers in any industry, including:
- Effective communication
- Empathy
- Adaptability/flexibility
- Being a team player
- Organization
- Teachability
- Initiative
- Collaboration
