NEXT is a process that empowers youth and adults to look for, prepare for, and pursue careers. There are four NEXT questions that career seekers should ask themselves:
Who am I? Where am I Going? How am I Getting There? Why is This My NEXT Step?
NEXT supports reflecting on these questions by providing resources and tools to help.
Supporter/Parent FAQ
NEXT is a career coaching program powered by Region 8 ESC that helps learners of all ages take their NEXT steps with confidence. Whether you’re exploring options, supporting someone, teaching, or hiring, NEXT gives you the tools, guidance, and connections you need.
What is NEXT?
NEXT is a process that empowers youth and adults to look for, prepare for, and pursue careers. By following this process, job seekers answer three questions: Who am I? Where am I going? How am I going to get there?
What is Agilities?
Agilities are ten work activities that exist in every job. Agilities differs from other career exploration tools because it is not about your personality. Your Agilities can change and develop over time. When you know your Agilities and how to use them, you can leverage them for any career. Agilities can be helpful to students and adults who are looking to expand their career pathways. Find out more at Expanding Career Pathways – DeBruce Agilities
What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-based learning (WBL) is a hands-on educational approach that allows students to gain real-world experience by working directly with employers, engaging in internships that can be paid or unpaid. Your student needs it because it helps them apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, develop valuable career skills, and build professional networks, giving them a competitive advantage in future college and job opportunities.
I’ve heard something about Indiana’s new diplomas. Is my child required to participate in work-based learning?
Indiana’s new diploma will begin to apply, starting with the class of 2029. The final rule passed by legislation allows for a base diploma which does not require participation in work-based learning. The diploma allows for flexibility and the earning of readiness seals in three areas: enrollment, employment and enlistment & service. This diploma comparison document provides more detailed information.
What is CDM?
A Career Discovery Meeting (CDM) is a student-led conversation designed to help students explore their strengths, interests, and future career pathways. In alignment with Indiana state law, which emphasizes career exploration and preparation, this meeting equips students with the tools to understand who they are, where they want to go, and how they plan to get there.
Through guided self-reflection and exploration, students will identify their skills, passions, and potential career opportunities. They will then share their discoveries with a trusted adult—such as a teacher, counselor, or mentor—to gain support and insight as they plan their next steps toward college, career, or workforce readiness. Our model lets the student lead the way, allowing them to own the process to build confidence today and tomorrow.
How do CDM’s help my child plan for their future?
A Career Discovery Meeting (CDM) helps students take charge of their future by guiding them through a structured, student-led conversation about their strengths, interests, and career possibilities. In alignment with Indiana state law on career exploration and preparation, the CDM provides students with the tools to understand who they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.
Through self-reflection and exploration, students identify their skills, passions, and potential career paths. They then share their insights with a trusted adult—such as a teacher, counselor, or mentor—to gain support and guidance as they plan their next steps toward college, a career, or the workforce. Because the student leads the process, they develop confidence in their abilities and decision-making, setting them up for long-term success.
My child has no idea what they want to do for a career, how do I help them?
This is common, and the NEXT process is a great place to start! By taking students through the four reflection questions, they will begin to explore possible career pathways. We believe that by equipping students with the tools and processes they need to get started, they’ll be able to be confident, informed, and empowered career seekers.
My child is unsure if their chosen major is the right fit. How can I support them in exploring their options?
You can help by encouraging them to explore different career pathways and develop their Agilities. Support them in seeking out work-based learning opportunities, internships, or informational interviews, where they can experience different fields firsthand, ask questions, and reflect on what excites and motivates them.
It’s common for students to reconsider their career pathway as they gain new experiences and insights. You can help by:
- Encouraging self-reflection – Have them take the Agile Work Profiler (found at Agilities.org) to identify their top “Agilities” (natural strengths and skills used in the workplace). This can help them align their major with what they do best.
- Exploring career options – Once they know their Agilities, they can research careers that fit their strengths and interests. Encourage them to talk to advisors, professors, or professionals in those fields.
- Focusing on transferable skills – Many skills learned in one major apply to multiple career paths. Instead of worrying about picking the “perfect” major, help them focus on building adaptable skills that will serve them in different industries.
Reassure them that changing majors is normal, and what’s most important is finding a path that excites and motivates them.
My child does NOT want to go on to college, how can I help them find their NEXT step?
College isn’t the only path to success! The new Indiana diploma encourages students to pursue one of three seals: enrollment, employment or enlistment & service. Help your child explore alternative career pathways that align with their skills and interests:
- Take the Agile Work Profiler – This will highlight their natural talents and match them with careers that don’t require a traditional degree.
- Explore hands-on learning – Encourage apprenticeships, internships, or job shadowing to gain real-world experience.
- Look into certifications or trade schools – Many high-paying jobs in tech, healthcare, and skilled trades require certifications instead of degrees.
- Consider entrepreneurship – If they have a strong interest in business or creative work, starting their own business or freelancing might be a great fit.
The goal is to help them build a meaningful and sustainable career, no matter which path they take.
My child keeps changing their mind, how do I help them?
It’s completely normal for teens to explore different career ideas before settling on one. The key is to help them explore informed choices rather than just jumping from one idea to another. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage them to notice patterns – Have they taken the Agile Work Profiler? Their top Agilities might reveal consistent strengths and interests, even if the specific job titles change.
- Help them gain experiences – The best way to decide on a path is to try it out! Look for short-term internships, volunteer work, or even job shadowing to test out different careers.
- Reframe career decisions – Instead of focusing on a single “dream job,” help them see career growth as a journey. They’ll develop skills along the way that will open up new opportunities.
Remind them that career paths aren’t set in stone—many adults pivot multiple times in their careers. What matters most is developing skills and gaining experiences that prepare them for the future.