Graduating high school or college is just exciting, and maybe a little scary without a clear plan; it’s easy to feel lost. Knowing how to set realistic education and financial goals early on can help you become work-ready and land a job that supports the life you want to build. With tools like a talent development marketplace and guidance from a career coach, you can streamline your path to success.
Why Goal Setting Is Essential to Landing Your First Career
Whether you're looking at jobs for high school graduates or entry-level jobs for college grads, the workforce today values goal-driven individuals who know where they’re going and what it takes to get there. That means not only understanding how to get your first job, but also having a plan for what you want to earn, how you’ll get the necessary training and how to keep progressing.
Career planning also means understanding how much education is actually needed. Not every high-income career requires a four-year degree. Some may only need micro-credentials or job-based learning, and a career coach can help you figure out what makes sense based on your interests and financial needs.
Find Your Dream Job—Then Skill Your Way Into It
Financial Planning Starts with Career Alignment
Preparing for the workforce also means preparing to manage your income and expenses. That starts by identifying what type of lifestyle you want and what careers can support that goal. Understanding what you need to earn and what education will help you get there makes it easier to make smart financial decisions upfront.
This is especially important when thinking about college debt or investing in short-term job training. A coach or advisor from a talent development marketplace like pepelwerk can help calculate the return on your education, ensuring your path leads to real career results, not just student loan bills.
How A Career Coach Can Help With Your First Career Guidance
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Career coaches have helped thousands of students navigate their next steps with confidence. Whether you’re thinking about how to get your first job or just trying to identify your ideal career direction, coaching can accelerate your journey and minimize costly detours.
A coach can assist with:
- Identifying in-demand industries and roles.
- Creating a learning plan tailored to your goals.
- Helping you understand how to position your strengths.
- Navigating scholarship or employer-sponsored learning options.
A Mid-Year Check for Young Adults and Their Families
The middle of the year is the perfect time to step back and evaluate your progress. Are you on track with your education? Do you know what kind of job you’re aiming for? Are you gaining the skills you need to compete?
A career plan that includes both education and financial goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be broken down into a few clear, manageable steps:
- Define your goal job based on interests and earning potential.
- Understand the education or training that the job requires.
- Set a monthly or yearly income goal that supports your lifestyle.
- Build a timeline with deadlines to stay on track.
- Reassess every few months to adapt and improve.
Use pepelwerk to Launch Your Career Plan
Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are ready to take action, pepelwerk helps you move forward with confidence. The Monthly and Preferred memberships offer everything from coaching and assessments to personalized learning plans and real-time job matching.
With the right guidance and a step-by-step plan, you can prepare for the workforce and land a job that aligns with your future goals. Start now with pepelwerk and put your education and financial goals within reach.
