How can young people prepare for successful careers? It takes planning. According to an old expression, "People don't plan to fail; they fail to plan."

Think of what you would really enjoy doing as a profession. Take an aptitude test. Is college for you? Would learning a trade or a vocational school be better for you? Once you have discovered your life’s goal, "do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Plan for change as well. In the future, you could need retraining since the fund of knowledge increases so quickly. Also consider two other professions on which to fall back should the job market change drastically.

Having a career plan will help you avoid drifting aimlessly. A potential employer likes to see steady experience indicated on your resume. Job-hopping, which indicates instability, is not looked on favorably by head hunters.