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18 years old.
Recent high school graduate.
No job. Where to next?
THAT is the question on the minds of many youths, who
have reached their goal of graduating from high school but don’t know
what to do next.
The opportunities out there can seem limited. However,
if they have the desire, there are options.
First we must accept a truth, that education is the
key.
So in the pursuit of a job (or career), a recent high
school grad, somewhere down the line, can expect to be sitting in a
classroom again, or getting hands-on training.
Philip Stephen, youth leader at Ryerson United Church
in Vancouver, was at a crossroads in his life when he graduated
from high school.
“I was not focused in my first years of high
school. So I went back to do a second year of grade 12 – and did very
well that time around.”
He then went on to college and university, before
entering into a profession as an artist.
If a youth’s desired career goal requires
university, but their grade average was not high enough to get in the
program, they can consider doing what Stephen did.
Matthew 7:7 says: “If you seek, you will
find.” If you are seeking a job, you will find tools to assist you
with your goal.
The B.C. government funds various programs targeted to
youth, to help them gain employment. Career counsellors, education
library and a drop-in computer and internet lab are just some of the tools
available at a number of resource centres located throughout Metro
Vancouver.
A counsellor can provide information on
apprenticeships, volunteering, the job market and much more. There is also
faith-based material available.
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In her book, The
Christian’s Career Journey, author and
career coach Susan Britton Whitcomb presents the seeking of a job as a
conquest – much like the Israelites’ quest to conquer Canaan,
the promised land, overflowing with milk and honey (but without the
bloodshed!).
While the comparison might seem daunting, it does show
the dedication necessary to accomplish success. Taking time to pause
and reflect on a desired outcome, and what gifts God has blessed them with,
is important for young job seekers.
“It could mean taking a course, going on a
retreat, entering into a spiritual community, doing some intentional
journaling or finding a mentor to guide the process,” Stephen
suggests.
He makes reference to programs at Christian facilities
like Naramata Centre, five hours east of Vancouver, where he took a course
to explore life and faith before heading to college.
“Knowing what you value, what brings you joy and
the gifts you have to give in service to the world might be the three most
important guiding elements in setting out on a career path.”
Whatever direction they take, it is imperative that
recent high school graduates set out their goals, do not focus on
limitations and work hard to accomplish their dreams.
In due time, God will open the door that leads them
directly to their heart’s desired job.
February 2009
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