Know Their Journey.
You don’t need to have all the answers — your role is to encourage, listen, and help someone take the next step. Help reinforce RTB’s six-step process with the people you support.
WHAT CAN I DO TODAY?
Here are three quick things you can do today to be supportive. You don’t need all the answers to be helpful. The most effective support often comes from simple moments that build confidence and curiosity.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Tell someone about your own career journey—what you tried, what surprised you, and what you learned along the way. Your story helps normalize change and shows that paths may or may not be perfect.
Support them in trying one small, low-pressure experience, like attending an event, visiting a workplace, or exploring a new class or activity. New experiences help people discover what fits—and what doesn’t.
ENCOURAGE EXPERIENCE
ASK A QUESTION
Instead of giving advice, ask a question that helps them think, such as “What did you enjoy about that?” or “What would you like to try next?” Reflection builds confidence and clarity.
WHY THE DETAILS
matter to them
College or Career Ready?
Everyone needs to be career-ready. Whether someone goes straight to work, enters training, or attends college after high school, they still need real-world skills and direction. College is one path toward a career, not a replacement for being prepared to work and grow.
Instead of: Where are you going to college?
Ask: What’s next for you?
The Small Detail: Every choice in pursuit of a stable career is the right decision.
What Do You Want to Be?
Does anyone really know who they want to be? This question often gets blank stares, nervous laughs, or anxious answers. It suggests there’s a pressure to make a life-changing decision, especially when young people feel like they can’t commit.
Instead of: What do you want to be?
Ask: What are you exploring right now?
The Small Detail: Don’t put unnecessary pressure when there is always an opportunity to change direction.
Sometimes all someone needs is someone who believes in them.
Starter Tools & Next Steps
Our partners help make our work possible. They bring ideas, open doors, and support learners. They guide our awareness of career trends, education opportunities, and ways to support people throughout the six-step career journey. Each partner plays a part in helping us build skills and getting people to feel confident about their future.
BUILD EXPOSURE
You’ve got connections and a network of relationships that could be beneficial to career seekers.
Offer to connect someone within your network if the fit seems right.
Consider inviting someone to your meetings, volunteer events, or other professional gatherings to introduce them to other people.
When introducing a career seeker to your network, remember to suggest starter conversation topics to keep the discussion as influential as possible.
CULTIVATE IMAGE
Everyday behaviors shape how others perceive career seekers’ professionalism.
Encourage individuals to show up on time for everything, including academics, athletics, and other extracurriculars.
Remind individuals how to dress appropriately for interviews and networking events.
Model good communication skills that demonstrate respect and clear thinking.
DEVELOP SKILLS
Performance builds credibility and trust. However, performance alone rarely determines career advancement. Career seekers must also ensure their contributions are visible and that others understand the value they bring.
Teach follow-through by taking training seriously, completing assignments, and showing they can be counted on to finish what they start.
Encourage them to focus on quality and improvement by asking for feedback, learning from mistakes, and continuing to strengthen skills so performance grows over time.