Every student’s college goals are anchored to their future career. The purpose of college is to lead to a career that aligns with a student’s values and priorities. Yet, in secondary education, career readiness is often treated as secondary to college preparation. Student survey data overwhelmingly shows that students want to understand why they should go to college. By focusing on career first and then identifying the different pathways to achieve those career goals, we can address student voice while reinforcing long-term success for all students, especially those who have traditionally not enrolled in college. Career readiness is Tier 1, and the pathways that lead to careers are Tier 2.
Since career exploration and programming are often undervalued, it can be challenging to determine where to begin in supporting student outcomes. There is significant overlap between college readiness and career readiness, so many schools may already have some structures in place. Here, we identify key data points that ensure students are not just college-eligible but truly career-ready.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what to track and how schools can use these insights to create real opportunities for every student. Let’s turn data into direction and unlock brighter futures together.
By focusing on career first and then identifying the different pathways to achieve those career goals, we can address student voice while reinforcing long-term success for all students, especially those who have traditionally not enrolled in college. Career readiness is Tier 1, and the pathways that lead to careers are Tier 2.
Evidence- and Research-Based Practices with Direct Career and Employment Success Outcomes:
Work-Based Learning
What: A high school school-to-work transition model that includes rotating internships throughout the school year, real-life work experiences, employment and independent living skills training, and opportunities to build professional networks.
How: Industry partner surveys, work-based learning credit earning, internship/job shadow participation—especially for underrepresented student groups (students with disabilities, students receiving free/reduced lunch, ethnically diverse students, and students who report needing help developing a career plan) across different career cluster areas.
Student Support
What: Early and ongoing career and college exploration, prioritizing opportunities to build networks, aligning school counselor and administrative training with career and college readiness, and balancing support between technology and human resources.
How: Individual Academic and Career Planning (IACP) and advising outcomes, curriculum implementation, technological tools and structures, IEP transition and IACP alignment, etc.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) – Evidence-Based Career Outcomes
Why: Increases on-time high school completion, postsecondary enrollment rates, and initial earnings.
What: Junior high/middle school CTE course participation, CTE program completion.
How: Course enrollment data, CTE program completion rates.
Inclusion in General Education
Why: Students with disabilities experience positive outcomes when included with their peers, such as higher engagement, increased expectations, higher employment rates, greater long-term financial stability, higher college enrollment rates, and increased participation in community and civic engagement.
What: Alignment of individual academic and career planning with IEP transition goals, ensuring Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in registration and course planning.
How: Course-taking patterns, IEP transition outcomes, participation rates in internships, job shadowing, career and college field trips, and workshops.
Every student is the hero of their own story, and career readiness is the destination they are striving to reach. Schools play the role of the guide, providing students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. By focusing on key data points—such as work-based learning, student support, career technical education, and inclusion—schools can help students see a clear future and understand the steps needed to get there. When students are empowered with the right resources and support, they gain confidence in their journey, overcome obstacles, and make informed choices about their future. Let’s ensure every student’s story leads to a fulfilling career by providing them with a roadmap to success.
Need help implementing these strategies in your school or district? Contact us today to learn how we can support your efforts in ensuring every student is truly career-ready.