Private and Public Service Interests for Youth

• Maintain continuous dialogue with youth about their primary/secondary private sector/public service interests.
• Chat with your son/daughter while in transit to/from sporting events/activities about their future plans/aspirations.
• Get your son/daughter involved in community activities for obtaining school and volunteer service credit.
• Share information about volunteering for public service activities (food shelters, school events, etc.).
• Encourage your son or daughter to participate in a "volunteer" work experience opportunity with their school.
• Have your son/daughter prepare a list of possible career choices and identify "pros" and "cons."
• Encourage your son/daughter to participate in "free" resume writing seminars/workshops.
• Encourage your son/daughter to participate in "free" interview techniques" seminars/workshops.
• Arrange a "mock interview session" with your son/daughter for practice purposes; invite relatives to participate.

Personal and Professional Mentors for Youth

• Identify individuals who play major roles in your teenager's life activities (teachers, counselors, doctors, etc.).
• Identify relatives admired by your son/daughter that may serve as mentors.
• Invite a few mentors (relatives and friends) to family cookouts that can share career advice and tips.
• Arrange a site visit to your current job to expose your son/daughter to the work environment; identify a few work ethics to share during this visit.
• Use time spent in the car to identify a list of work ethics (arriving on time, being professional at all times, etc.)

Strategies for Identifying Occupations of Interest for Young Professionals (Youth)

• Consider job security, health benefits, and geographic location – as the number one priority when searching for jobs.
• Search for jobs that offer on-the-job training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Search for jobs that offer flexible work schedules, telework programs, tuition assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

Competencies for Entry-Level Young Professionals (Youth)

Competency is observable behavior that demonstrates skills, learning, and experience.

• Customer Service
• Detail-Oriented
• Communication
• ArraChange Agent

• Political Savvy
• Independent Self Starter
• Creative, Innovative
• Critical Thinker