SOPHOMORE TOOLKIT
Even though this year looks different, the people and resources you’ve always had are working even harder for you. Graduation, college, and work may seem far away, but this is the best time to start and make sure that you are on track for your future.
CHOOSE CLASSES THAT HELP YOU REACH YOUR RIGHT-FIT COLLEGE & CAREER PLAN
Review Your Transcript
Your school counselor can help you make
sure you are taking the courses that will meet graduation requirements and prepare you for your career goals.
Build Your Resume
Take an occupational education class offering industry-recognized certification (IRC) through your school, or get connected to other programs or community-based organizations that can help you build skills.
Focus on Grades
Colleges, employers, and scholarship
committees look at your GPA as an indication of how you apply yourself and overcome setbacks. Seek resources early and don’t give up if you are falling behind.
EXPLORE PERSONAL HOBBIES & TALENTS TO DISCOVER WHICH CAREERS INTEREST YOU
Develop Your Skills
Join a club or team to help build your social network, resume, and scholarship opportunities. The quality, not the quantity, of your involvement is most important, so choose something you like to do, be active, and seek leadership positions.
Research Careers
Complete a career inventory at
CareerBridge.wa.gov or CollegeBoard.org
to research potential pathways. BigFuture.org and ReadySetGrad.org are helpful search engines to begin finding colleges that match your interests.
Visit College Campuses
Pierce County has many
two- and four-year options to start exploring.Virtual college fairs and campus tours are available. Contact your Career Guidance Specialist for more information on programs offered and where to sign up.
CONNECT TO THE RESOURCES & PEOPLE THAT CAN HELP YOU STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GOALS
Meet with Support Staff
They can connect you to college and career
support, internships, scholarship and
financial aid information, and test prep help.
Remember, their job is to support you.
Develop Strong Relationships
Get to know faculty, staff, advisors, and
mentors. A strong relationship can help
secure reference letters or recommendations
for school, scholarship, and job opportunities.
Let them get to know you and share your
goals with them.
Make a Plan for Summer
A summer job or internship will help you
explore careers and develop skills. Go to
TacomaLearns.org for more information
and opportunities.
Explore a career, earn credit, and gain workplace skills through the Next Move Internship Program.
SMART Goals for Success
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals are established using a specific set of criteria that ensures your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. Here are three to get you started:
- Schedule regular visits with your Career Guidance Specialist or College Support Staff to chat about your grades and career goals.
- Visit a virtual college fair or campus tour monthly.
- Keep track of accomplishments and volunteer/ work service to create a robust profile that can be used for college, scholarship, and job applications.
