Dear Indiana Students,

Welcome to Learn More, your guide to the future. Maybe you have an idea of your college and career goals. Maybe you’re still exploring your options. No matter what, Learn More can help you plan your next steps.

In this digital magazine, you’ll learn about:

  • Growing careers in Indiana and how to find a career you’ll enjoy at IndianaCareerExplorer.com.
  • Your options after high school, including an apprenticeship, certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree and more.
  • How to cut the costs of higher education.

Your path to success starts now—and that means taking the right steps to prepare yourself for life after high school. Try your hardest every day and ask for help when you need it. Look through this website to start learning about how you can reach your goals.

After you finish this digital magazine, talk to your family and teachers about your goals and check in regularly so they can help you succeed.

Have a great school year!

Click here to enter the Indiana529 contest for a chance to win a $1000 toward a college savings account.

SCHOOL YEAR CHECKLIST

  • Try your best. School is your job right now, so work hard every day!
  • Get involved. Participate in extracurricular activities like sports or a club, or volunteer in your community. You’ll gain new skills, meet new people and have fun doing it.
  • Start your high school graduation plan. Start thinking about the kinds of classes you hope to take.
  • Take a career interests quiz and start exploring career options. Check out a short quiz here: LearnMoreIndiana.org/career/discover-your-interests.
  • Learn about college. Talk to your parents, guardians or other caring adults about their experiences. Ask any questions you might have about what it’ll be like.
  • Talk to your parents about ways to pay for college, like the 21st Century Scholars program, and ask them about setting up a bank account to start saving money.

DISCOVER YOU!

This website will help you plan for the future. What you enjoy, what your strengths are and what skills you want to develop are all good places to start. It’s okay to not have all the answers for your future, and most people change their minds about what they want to do for a career.

Take your time and think carefully about the following questions before reading through the rest of the website.

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  1. What do you like learning about? (this can be a school subject, but doesn’t have to be)

  2. What is a hobby or skill you want to learn or develop?

  3. What are 5 personality traits you have? Are you patient, strong, funny, etc.? (as you read through this digital magazine, think about how these traits could fit into different types of careers)

  4. What part of going to high school is the most exciting to you?

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Top Indiana Career Clusters

Career clusters are industries or fields of work with jobs that require similar skills. Choosing career clusters that sound interesting can help you think about your future without the pressure of narrowing your search down to one job. Every career cluster has options for people with all levels of education. Read about some of Indiana’s most in-demand career clusters:

Agriculture, Food And Natural Resources:

This cluster produces, markets and develops agricultural products and resources including food, fiber and wood. If you’re interested in farming, food or animals, this is the career cluster for you.

Common careers in this cluster:

  • VETERINARIAN
  • BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN
  • ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

Human Services:

This cluster works with human needs like counseling and mental health, family and community services and personal care. If you’re interested in helping people, this is the career cluster for you.

Common careers in this cluster:

  • SOCIAL WORKER
  • COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
  • PSYCHOLOGIST

Information Technology:

This cluster designs, develops and supports hardware, software and multimedia. If you’re interested in technology and working with computers, this is the career cluster for you.

Common careers in this cluster:

  • DEVELOPER
  • COMPUTER TECHNICIAN
  • WEB DESIGNER

Manufacturing:

This cluster turns materials into products. If you’re interested in designing products or working with your hands, this is the career cluster for you.

Common careers in this cluster:

  • QUALITY CONTROL ANALYST
  • ROBOTICS ENGINEER
  • WELDER

Marketing, Sales, and Services:

This cluster plans, manages and performs marketing activities like designing advertisements and researching consumer behavior. If you’re interested in selling things or talking to people, this is the career cluster for you.

Common careers in this cluster:

  • MARKETING MANAGER
  • PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
  • SALES REPRESENTATIVE
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Finding the Right Fit

Did you know that the average American spends about 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime? That’s more than 10 years! That’s a lot of time, so you want to find a career you enjoy. Start thinking about your personality, hobbies and interests. How can you combine these to find a job?

Do you like to build things, play sports or draw? What’s your favorite class? When you stop and think about what makes you happy, you can think about finding the career that fits you.

T or F?

The average person will change jobs about six times in their lifetime.

FALSE. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs about 12 times during their lifetime! Your first job won’t be your last, and you’ll keep learning new skills throughout your entire career.

T or F?

The only way to have a career is by earning a four-year degree.

FALSE. About 99% of all new jobs created since the Great Recession require education and training beyond high school, but that doesn’t mean you have to get a four-year degree. There are a lot of other options to choose from to set yourself up for success!

T or F?

Going to college means you’ll earn more money in your career over your lifetime.

TRUE. According to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, students who earn an associate degree can expect to earn about $400,000 more than those with a high school diploma. Students who earn a bachelor’s degree can expect to make about $1 million more in their lifetime than students who receive a high school diploma.

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You’ve Got Career Skills!

When little kids think about what they want to be when they grow up, they think in a direct way: if I’m good at math, I should be a banker or accountant!

In the real world, skills are applicable in a range of fields. Electrical engineers have become journalists; police officers have become politicians; music majors have become CEOs. Most people change careers several times in their lives. As you chase your goals, remember that you’ve got skills that can be applied in many ways.

Select an interest/strength and an industry you are interested in to see what careers could be right for you.

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Interest / Strength

Industry

Possible career:

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Ask an Adult…

Did you know one of the best ways to figure out if a career field is a good fit for you is by talking to people who work in that field?

There are a lot of people in your community willing to talk about their careers. Consider interviewing family members or other adults you know at school, in your community, through extracurricular activities or at your house of worship.

Here are some questions to get you started:
After your interview, make sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email!

 

  1. What are the main responsibilities in your job?
  2. What does a typical day or week look like?
  3. What do you like most about your work? What do you like least?
  4. How did you become interested in this career?
  5. What kind of education, training or background does your job require?
  6. What skills and abilities do you think are important in this career?
  7. What advice do you have for me about getting started?
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PICTURE YOUR PATH

When it comes to college, you have options. Before you graduate high school, you will choose which option is best for you. Think about some of the pathways below. You might change your mind later, but it’s important to start thinking about the future now.

Apprenticeship:

A program that allows you to learn a skilled trade from an expert in your field, and get paid while you do so! There are apprenticeships in all kinds of careers, like automotive, construction and information technology. Once you’ve completed this specialized training, you’ll have credentials that will be valued anywhere you go.

Military:

The Military includes branches such as the Army, Navy, Marines and more. In the military, you can access education and training in high-tech fields while serving your country. You can use this training to earn college credit during or after your service.

Workforce Certificate:

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time in college, you can jump into a career in Indiana’s high-growth industries with a workforce certificate in about a year. The state’s Next Level Jobs initiative offers grants to pursue a workforce certificate.

Associate Degree:

Many associate degrees can be earned in two years. With an associate degree, you can qualify for careers in nursing, management and web design. Your associate degree can also count toward a bachelor’s degree if you decide you’d like to continue your education later.

Bachelor’s Degree:

When most people think of college, they think of getting a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. The more years of college you attend, the more jobs you are likely to qualify for. Indiana has a lot of great four-year colleges to choose from!

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EARNING POTENTIAL:

Look up the salary for the jobs you gave stars to in ‘You’ve Got Career Skills’ and write it down, then look up what kind of education that type of job requires. Does it make at least $40,000?

EDUCATION: YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

Middle school is an important part of your educational journey. What you do now will set you up for success in high school, college and your future career.

WHY IT MATTERS

There are a lot of reasons to continue your education after high school. The first thing you might think of is that college grads make more money than those with only a high school diploma.

Consider this: Living in Indiana in 2021, you’ll want to make at least $40,000 a year to cover living expenses and have some spending money. To get a job that pays $20 an hour you will need some education beyond high school. That doesn’t mean that getting a four-year degree is the only option, though.

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STILL NOT CONVINCED?

  1. Education gives you more opportunities and options. Companies want to hire people who know how to solve problems. By continuing your education, you’ll gain more skills. The more education you have, the more career options you’ll have.
  2. Education gives you a sense of purpose. Higher education will help you gain the knowledge, skills and abilities to live confidently. People who go to college are more likely to vote and volunteer in their communities, things that make a difference in our world.
  3. Education is an investment in yourself. Your education belongs to you for life. The knowledge and skills you gain from education will be yours forever.

HIGH SCHOOL VOCAB 101

High school is quickly approaching! There are a lot of choices when it comes to what and how you learn in high school. The good news is, your school counselor, teachers and parents or guardians can help you come up with a plan.

Your plan should include the diploma you want to earn and classes that spark your interest and are academically challenging. You can even get college credit while you’re in high school in some classes. Here are words to look for as you create your high school plan:

Advanced Placement (AP):

​​College-level courses offered in high school. If you score well on AP exams, you may earn college credit, saving you time and money.

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Dual Credit:

College courses taught in high school or at a local college that will earn high school and college credit. Talk to your high school counselor to learn more.

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Indiana College Core:

Consists of a block of 30 college credit hours that can be earned during high school and transferred to any public (and some private) colleges in Indiana. Check to see if your high school offers this program.

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CTE:

Also called “career and technical education”, these courses give you career skills in many different areas like construction, graphic design and healthcare.

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Core 40:

A standard high school diploma designed to prepare students for many college programs and careers.

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Core 40 with Academic Honors:

A high school diploma that requires students to complete academically challenging courses. Some four-year colleges in Indiana require this type of diploma.

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Core 40 with Technical Honors:

A high school diploma that requires students to complete college and career prep courses. Some technical programs and apprenticeships require this type of diploma.

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International Baccalaureate (IB):

A rigorous high school program that includes foreign languages and independent study. You may also receive college credit for IB courses. Check to see if your high school offers this program.

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It’s important to choose the courses and diploma that best fit your college and career goals.

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Graduation Pathways

Indiana’s Graduation Pathways are designed to help you meet state requirements while still giving you options to pursue what interests you. Here’s a look at what the Graduation Pathways requirements are to get you thinking about what options may be right for you.

  1. EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
  2. SHOW YOU’RE READY FOR COLLEGE OR A CAREER BY:
  • Completing a project-based learning experience, like conducting a long-term research assignment at school;
  • Completing a service-based learning experience, like volunteering or being involved in school activities;
    or
  • Completing a work-based learning experience, like doing an internship or working outside of the school day.
  1. SHOW YOU’RE READY FOR EDUCATION BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL BY:
  • Earning a Core 40 Academic or Technical Honors diploma;
  • Earning a “C” or higher in college-level classes like AP, IB or dual credit;
  • Getting a recognized credential, certification or apprenticeship;
  • Earning placement into one of the branches of the military by taking the ASVAB;
  • Earning college-ready scores on the ACT or SAT;
    or
  • Earning a “C” or higher in at least six career and technical education (CTE) credits.

For more information, talk to your school counselor or visit the Indiana Department of Education’s website

YOU’VE GOT COLLEGE SKILLS!

In middle school, learning begins to shift from being teacher-directed to student-directed. Instead of teachers always telling you and showing you exactly what to do, students become more responsible for their own learning, studying and academic habits. It is the best time to start practicing study skills that prepare you for high school and college.

HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET.

Having a growth mindset means removing any limits that you have placed on yourself and others. When you are young, you typically want — and expect —everything to be the same. But life changes and people change. You may have been bad at math as a first-grader, but you might find that pre-algebra makes a lot of sense to you now.

BE NOTEWORTHY.

More than anything, having good notes will prepare you to do well on tests. If your notes are legible and organized, you will be able to study more easily and recall information when you are taking a test. Find a note-taking format that works for you and use it in every class, every day.

PAY ATTENTION.

Obvious, right? Paying attention in class — and taking notes! — is worth double its weight in study time. If you are paying attention to what is going on in real-time, you won’t be scrambling to try to figure out what is going on when it’s test time.

A QUIET PLACE.

Designate a place in your house where you do your homework and study. If possible, it should be quiet and clean. When you sit down, your brain will know “it’s study time.”

PHONE DOWN, EYES UP.

You can’t pay attention to what is going on in class if you are scrolling the “For You” page. If you just can’t help yourself, keep your phone in your locker during class, or put time limits on your apps.

BREAK IT DOWN.

“Cramming” for a test — waiting until the last minute, and then studying everything — makes you tired and overwhelms your brain. Whether it’s homework, a project or studying, try breaking it into chunks over the course of several days.

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SELF CARE

Time for some real talk: middle school and junior high can be some of the toughest years of your life! You and your peers are going through big changes: academically, physically and socially. Nobody skates through it with ease — it’s OK not to feel OK all the time.

It’s easy to get caught up worrying about things like school, friends and sports. One of the best things you can do to make sure you are at your best (now and throughout your life) is to take care of yourself by practicing self-care.

WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Self-care means doing things that are in your control to keep yourself mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. It ranges from things like brushing your teeth to practicing meditation.

WHY SHOULD YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

In addition to making sure you are at your best, it also gives you a sense of control over yourself and your life during a time that can feel pretty chaotic.

HOW CAN YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

  • Everyday hygiene: At this age, it is important to practice good hygiene. Taking a shower, brushing your teeth and hair and washing your face are basic elements of good hygiene you should practice every day.
  • Get your rest:Kids your age typically need about 8-11 hours of sleep per day. Try to go to bed around the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Avoid sleeping in front of a screen. The blue light that comes from electronic screens leads to bad sleep.
  • Eat well and often: A well-rounded diet is essential for good physical and mental health. Try to eat foods that aren’t processed. Instead of soda and chips, try water or milk and fruit. Instead of eating one or two big meals a day, have moderately sized meals, with healthy snacks throughout the day. Be sure to drink LOTS of water!
  • Live long and prosper:

    Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Besides being illegal, these substances reduce life expectancy and are often responsible for accidents that can injure or even kill young people. Not to mention they are terrible for your skin.

  • You like to move it, move it:No matter what kind of shape you are in, physical activity clears your mind and strengthens your body. Try to get 30-60 minutes of activity a day. It can be anything from an easy walk to yoga to a competitive athletic practice.
  • Good vibes only: Try to surround yourself with people who support you. Negative stress is a part of life, but when you can, try to keep your distance from negative people.
  • Keep it clean: Try to keep your immediate surroundings clean and organized. An organized space can help you feel calm and focused.
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COLLEGE COSTS MONEY… BUT IT’S WORTH IT…

College can be expensive. There are many things to pay for like tuition (the cost of classes),
books, room and board (housing and meals) and other costs.

The fact is, investing in your future education is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You are more likely to earn more money and to have a career you enjoy with education and training after high school. Luckily, there are steps you and your family can take to make it more affordable. The State of Indiana gives out more than $350 million to help students pay for college! This is called financial aid.

FINANCIAL AID 101

Most financial aid is given out by the government, the college you will attend or community organizations like churches or non-profits. Here are some words to look for as you get older and closer to college; they’re sure to make a difference.

FAFSA:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must submit the FAFSA during your senior year of high school, and each year you are in college to qualify for financial aid.

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GRANTS:

Free money for college, often awarded based on your family’s financial need. To qualify for most grants, you’ll have to file the FAFSA.

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LOANS:

Money you borrow and are expected to pay back when you graduate from college. Loans are given by banks and the federal government. They charge interest, which is a fee for allowing you to borrow money. You should try to limit how much money you take out in loans for this reason; you will end up paying much more in the long run.

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SCHOLARSHIPS:

Free money for college, often awarded based on your achievements in classes, sports or the arts (merit-based), or your family’s financial circumstances (need-based). Learn more about one of Indiana’s oldest scholarship programs, 21st Century Scholars, below.

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HEY PARENTS! If you’re interested in the 21st Century Scholars program, visit below:

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21ST CENTURY SCHOLARS…MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Did you know that you could earn a scholarship from Indiana to get your college tuition paid for? This scholarship is called the 21st Century Scholarship. It offers students the chance to earn up to four years of tuition at an eligible Indiana college. Over the past 30 years, the 21st Century Scholarship has helped over 40,000 Hoosier students earn a college degree!

Read more about a couple of talented 21st Century Scholars alumni…

SANOVIA GARRETT graduated from Muncie Central High School in 2010. As a first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Urban Studies and is considering pursuing a doctorate degree, too.

According to Sanovia:

“Without the 21st Century Scholarship program, I am unsure if I truly would have gone to college and attended Ball State University, where I was further encouraged to pursue a Doctorate degree in the future. 21st Century Scholars prepared me in 7th grade for a promising future in college. Growing up in a single (grand)parent home, we faced many financial struggles, but 21st Century Scholars gave light in a space where my grandmother did not understand the higher education system.”

CHARLES BROOKS grew up in Terre Haute and graduated from Terre Haute North Vigo High School. After high school, he attended Indiana University – Bloomington where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. He also earned his master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana State University. Now, he works at Indiana University in their career development center helping students find their path in life.

Charles said:

“I would not be where I am without the 21st Century Scholars program. I had dreams and goals of attending college from a young age, but there is no possible way I could have afforded to attend without this program, especially not my dream school of Indiana University. Because of this program, I was able to have a fulfilling experience that allowed me to focus on my studies and fully engage in the university setting. Nothing in my life would be the same if I had not been a part of the 21st Century Scholars program.”

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GOAL SETTING

Goal setting is an important part of staying focused on the future, but setting a goal is just one step. Once you have a goal in place, it is very important that you understand the steps it will take to achieve that goal, and know how you will overcome any obstacles along the way.

The exercise below will help you think about your long-term goal — what type of career you would like — so you can start planning for how you will get there. You can write down your answers in a separate document and go back to it later to see how your goals may have changed.

 

  1. WHAT TYPE OF CAREER(S) DO I WANT TO HAVE?

  2. WHAT TYPE OF COLLEGE WILL I NEED TO PURSUE THAT CAREER? (TRAINING SCHOOL, 1 YEAR, 2-YEAR, 4-YEAR)

  3. WHAT KIND OF GRADES WILL I NEED TO GO TO COLLEGE FOR THAT CAREER?

  4. WHAT WAYS WILL I PAY FOR COLLEGE? (SAVINGS, SCHOLARSHIPS, FINANCIAL AID, ETC.)

  5. HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I EXPECT TO MAKE IN MY CAREER AFTER I GRADUATE?

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SAVING FOR YOUR FUTURE

Financial aid helps a lot of students pay for college, but it might not cover everything. To help you pay for future expenses, you can start saving money now. Do you get money for your birthday or holidays? Do you get an allowance or get paid to mow lawns in the summer? Try saving a little bit of it for college. An adult can help you set up a savings account where your money can grow by earning interest.

YOU’VE GOT SKILLS!

In addition to financial aid, loans and grants, scholarships are one way to help pay for college. Scholarships are granted by a wide range of sources, including professional clubs, governmental organizations, colleges and more. Scholarship awards also have a variety of criteria for determining who receives them. These include:

  • Financial need of the student
  • Academic achievement
  • Special talents or specific areas of study
  • Community involvement
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For nearly all scholarships, you must fill out an application to be considered. Regardless of the type of scholarship, there are skills you can develop to ensure you have the best application possible. Here are a few:

  • Get good grades in school.

  • Develop strong writing skills.

    Many scholarships ask students to write an essay, which can make the difference between whether or not you get the scholarship.

  • Develop and master your unique skills.

    Scholarships specific to certain skills or fields of study are widely available. Whether you love science, are an amazing piano player or an elite athlete, keep practicing your skills — it can pay off in the long run.

  • Practice bouncing back.

    One bad grade won’t sink a chance at a scholarship. Overcoming negative things that happen in life, either in school or in your personal life, is a quality that many colleges reward because they know you will do what it takes to succeed.

  • Get involved in your community.

    Join clubs at school, volunteer or help tutor younger kids. Anything that demonstrates your dedication to impacting society is attractive to colleges and scholarship committees.

A partnership of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Indiana Department of Education and Indiana Department of Workforce Development