How to Get Ahead in High School and Develop Skills that Matter

Ever been hit with the classic question: “What do you want to be when you grow up? ”If you’re like most students, you probably roll your eyes—or maybe you’re secretly excited but not sure where to start. Guess what? The future isn’t waiting for you to graduate. It’s already here, and you’re right in the middle of it.

But don’t panic! You don’t need to have everything figured out. High school is the perfect time to experiment, explore, and build skills that will give you a real edge, no matter what path you choose.

The World of Work is Changing—Fast! The jobs of tomorrow are being invented right now, thanks to wild advances in technology and society: artificial intelligence, remote work, digital marketing, UX design, climate tech… the list just keeps growing. What does this mean for you? School is important, but it’s not everything. To shine, you need to go beyond the textbook and start building real-world skills.

The Secret Skills You Need to Stand Out

• Communication: Whether you’re writing an email, pitching an idea, or working in a group, being able to express yourself clearly is a superpower.

  
  

• Collaboration: The best ideas come from teamwork. Learning to work with others—especially people who think differently from you—is a game-changer.

  
  

• Critical Thinking: The world needs problem-solvers who can ask smart questions and find creative solutions.

  
  

• Digital Skills: You don’t need to be a tech wizard, but knowing your way around tools like Google Workspace, Canva, ChatGPT, or even basic coding will put you ahead of the pack.

  
  

• Adaptability: Things change fast. If you’re open to learning new things, you’ll always stay ahead of the curve.

  
  

• Self-Leadership: Taking initiative, managing your time, and setting goals will help you not just in school, but for life.

How to Start Building These Skills—Right Now!

You’re already spending hours in school, so how do you squeeze in even more learning? The good news: you can start small, and you might already be doing some of this without realizing it!

Take up an Online Course: There are tons of free resources to explore online.  Try out digital marketing, data analytics, graphic design, or even entrepreneurship. Not sure what you like? That’s the point! Exploring is half the fun. Pro tip: Add any completed courses to your resume or LinkedIn. It adds value to your college application and employers!

Network Like a Pro: Networking isn’t just for adults in suits. It’s about making connections—teachers, older students, professionals at events, or even people on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or request a quick chat. Most people love helping curious, motivated students.

Grab an Internship or Start a Project: Yes, high schoolers can do internships! Startups, NGOs, and creative agencies are always looking for fresh ideas. If you can’t find one, create your own. Start a club, launch a passion project, or volunteer. Real-world experience is gold.

Show Off Your Skills: Start a digital portfolio, blog, or Instagram page to showcase your projects and learnings. Not only does this give you something to show future employers or colleges, but it also helps you see how much you’re growing.

Why Starting Early Gives You a Real Edge

You might be wondering: Why bother starting now? Here’s the deal:

• Clarity: Trying different things helps you figure out what you like (and what you don’t).

• Confidence: Stepping out of your comfort zone builds self-assurance.

• Stand Out: Your experience makes your college or job applications shine.

• Network: The people you meet could open doors for you—recommendations, job offers, or even lifelong friendships.

• Future-Proof Yourself: While others are still figuring things out, you’ll already be ahead of the game.

The Bottom Line. You don’t need to have your dream job picked out. You don’t need to be perfect. What you do need is to start exploring, learning, and building—right now. So go ahead: Sign up for that new course. Reach out to that mentor. Apply for that internship. Create something that excites you. High school isn’t just a prep stage for college—it’s your launchpad for the future.