Landing your first job is exciting, but keeping it long-term and building a future there is another challenge entirely. If you want to advance and increase your income, your values and goals need to align with the company you work for. In today’s talent development marketplace, the best way to prepare for the workforce is by knowing what you stand for before you start applying.
Work readiness isn’t just about having the right skills—it’s also about knowing the type of environment where you’ll thrive. If your values clash with your employer’s, you may find yourself frustrated and looking for something new. This is why preparing for the workforce should involve more than just polishing a resume. Jobs for high school graduates and jobs for recent college grads are more plentiful when you can show a clear fit between who you are and what the company needs.
The earlier you identify your guiding career values, the better you can target companies and roles that will keep you engaged. Assessments, like pepelwerk’s photo assessments, can reveal your work preferences, personality strengths and motivators. This isn’t just helpful for finding jobs after high school—it’s a key step for securing entry-level jobs for college grads that match your personality and future goals. Pepelwerk’s AI Career Assistant uses this information to match you with companies that fit your unique values.
Too often, young adults focus only on “how to get your first job” without considering whether they’ll want to stay there. That’s why the best jobs for a teenager or a new grad are the ones that offer not just a paycheck but opportunities for growth. By matching your skills, interests and values to the right employers, you increase the chances of long-term success.
Here’s a simple process to help you align your first job with your future goals:
Parents want to see their children succeed in work and life, and that starts with setting the foundation early. When young adults understand their values, they’re more likely to choose roles where they can grow and advance. With pepelwerk’s monthly membership, they can get a personalized learning plan and goal job matching, while the preferred membership offers priority matching and free coaching to help them make confident career moves.
Your first job can be more than just a way to earn money—it can be the launchpad for your future. Start by knowing your values, building your skills and finding employers who share your vision. With pepelwerk, you can skip the guesswork and step into a career path designed for long-term success.