3 Career Planning Wins That Can Happen in Just One Month

Is It Even Worth Starting Now?

If you’re thinking, “It’s already mid-July. Is it even worth it to start now?” The answer is absolutely yes.

A lot can happen in a month.

You don’t need a year-long roadmap to help your teen move forward. You just need a plan for the next few weeks.

Whether your teen is a rising junior, a rising senior, or just graduated, there’s still time to create clarity, confidence, and momentum. Here are three meaningful career planning "wins” your teen can achieve before summer ends.

1. Clarity Through Exposure

Teens can’t dream about what they’ve never seen. That’s why simple exposure to new career ideas can make a big difference.

Here are a few low-pressure ways to open their eyes to what’s possible:

• Interview someone in a career they’re curious about

• Watch a few career pathway videos together (YouTube has tons)

• Attend a virtual info session for a local college or training program

  
  

These small steps spark big questions, and often, unexpected interest. Sometimes clarity comes not from choosing a path, but from realizing what paths exist.

2. Experience in Action

The fastest way to build confidence is to do something real.

Encourage your teen to try a short-term, real-world activity that fits their interests or challenges them to grow. For example:

• Volunteer at a local business or nonprofit

• Try a short course (in-person or online) to build a skill

• Take on a part-time gig that builds soft skills like communication or problem-solving

  
  

Even if they don’t “love” the experience, they’ll learn something valuable. Every real-world step helps teens get clearer on what fits, and what doesn’t.

3. Ownership of the Process

One of the most powerful shifts you can support is helping your teen take the lead in their own planning process.

This month, try:

• Asking them to set one simple goal for the rest of summer

• Giving them space to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t

• Encouraging tools like journaling, vision boards, or goal trackers

  
  

When teens feel ownership, they’re more invested, and more likely to follow through. Your role becomes less about pushing and more about walking beside them as they figure it out.

Final Thought: Progress Builds Momentum

You’re not behind.

And your teen doesn’t need to figure everything out this month. They just need to try something.

One conversation, one new experience, or one intentional step can be the spark that carries into the school year, and beyond.

Want Help Guiding Your Teen Through One of These Career Planning Wins?

Download the free Summer Planning Toolkit for step-by-step support, or check out the World Changers Academy Fall Program, starting in September.

Both are built to help your teen move from confusion to clarity with real-world guidance along the way.