LaunchPoint Blog

Career advice for students, parents and educators — exploring careers early, in-demand jobs, trade paths and real student stories.

Latest posts

• Middle School Career Exploration: A Starting Guide for Parents and Students — A low-stakes guide for 11–14 year olds and their families. How to explore careers early, use a career quiz as a family activity, and keep it fun.
• How to Find Your Career Path at 16 (Without the Pressure) — You don't need to have it all figured out. Here's how to start exploring careers in a way that actually feels fun — not stressful.
• Top 10 Highest-Demand Careers in 2026 (And How to Break In) — From cybersecurity to skilled trades, these are the careers employers are desperate to fill — plus what you need to get started.
• From Gamer to Game Developer: Marcus's Story — Marcus spent hours gaming every day. Then he discovered he could build the games instead of just playing them.
• How to Write a Resume When You Have Zero Experience — No job history? No problem. Here's how to build a resume that actually stands out — even as a first-timer.
• Trades vs. College: The Real Math Nobody Talks About — We ran the numbers on debt, earning potential, and time-to-career for both paths. The results might surprise you.
• How Welding Changed Everything for Jada — Jada never considered the trades until a school visit to a welding shop. Now she's earning more than most college grads.
• 5 Careers That Surprisingly Pay Over $100K — No College Degree Required — The college-or-bust myth is crumbling. These five careers prove that skills, certifications, and hustle open doors to six figures — often with less debt and faster starts.
• How Gen Z Is Quietly Reshaping the American Workforce — Gen Z isn't lazy — they're strategic. The data shows a generation making smarter career moves than any before them.
• America Has 650,000 Unfilled Trade Jobs — Here's Why That's Your Opportunity — The skilled trades shortage is a crisis for employers but a goldmine for the next generation. The numbers are staggering.
• The Hidden Link Between Career Satisfaction and Mental Health (What the Research Shows) — New studies reveal that career fit may be one of the strongest predictors of mental health in young adults. Here's what the data says.
• AI Won't Replace These 7 Careers — It'll Make Them Pay More — While everyone panics about AI taking jobs, these seven careers are actually becoming MORE valuable because of it.
• 7 Extreme Careers That Pay You to Live on the Edge (2026 Guide) — From smokejumping into wildfires to Special Operations missions — these adrenaline-fueled careers offer real pay, real purpose, and zero desk time.
• Why First Responder Careers Are Booming in 2026 (And How Teens Can Prepare Now) — A perfect storm of retirements, climate emergencies, and federal funding is creating unprecedented opportunities in fire, EMS, and rescue careers.
• Do This Before You Pick a College Major (It Could Save You $50,000) — 40% of college students change their major at least once — costing time and money. Here's the one thing you should do first.
• A Parent's Guide to Career Conversations (Without Starting a Fight) — Talking to your teen about their future doesn't have to end in an argument. Research-backed strategies for productive career conversations.
• Is College Still Worth It in 2026? Here's What the Data Actually Says — The ROI of a bachelor's degree is shrinking for some fields and growing for others. A data-driven breakdown for families making the decision now.
• 15 Summer Jobs for Teens That Actually Build Career Skills (Not Just a Paycheck) — Not all summer jobs are created equal. These 15 gigs give teens real skills, resume material, and a head start on career exploration.
• What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew About Choosing a Career — We asked 200+ teens what they wish their parents understood about career pressure. Their answers were eye-opening.
• Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? What Research Says About Waiting Before College — Gap years used to be controversial. New data shows students who take them graduate faster, earn more, and are happier. Here's the evidence.
• 25 Highest-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree (2026 Updated) — From air traffic controllers to elevator mechanics, these are the top-paying careers you can enter without a bachelor's degree — with real BLS salary data.
• Why Teen Career Anxiety Is at an All-Time High (And How to Actually Help) — 71% of teens say they're stressed about their future. A clinical psychologist and career counselor explain what's driving it — and what works.
• Apprenticeships Explained: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teens (2026) — Apprenticeships aren't just for plumbers anymore. From tech to healthcare, here's everything families need to know about earn-while-you-learn career paths.
• Why Most School Career Days Fail (And What Actually Works Instead) — Research shows traditional career days have almost zero impact on student career decisions. Here's what the evidence says schools should do instead.
• How TikTok and Social Media Are Shaping Teen Career Choices (For Better and Worse) — 60% of Gen Z says social media influenced their career interests. New research reveals the upsides, the dangers, and how parents can help teens filter the noise.