Many employers prioritize outreach and recruitment at the postsecondary level—college fairs, internship pipelines, graduate placements. It makes sense on the surface: you're targeting people on the cusp of entering the job market. But if you're waiting until graduation to make your brand known, you're already late to the conversation.

First impressions last, and for the next generation of workers, those impressions often begin in high school. Making an early and positive impact on high school students isn’t just about “giving back”—it’s a strategic investment in your long-term workforce and community presence.

Why Early Engagement Matters

1. Career Identity Begins Earlier Than You Think

According to a 2020 report by the OECD, career aspirations begin to narrow as early as age 14. By this time, students have already begun forming ideas—often limited or misinformed—about what jobs are “for them.” These impressions are shaped by what they see at home, in the media, and most importantly, in school.

If your industry or company isn’t showing up in that ecosystem, you’re likely being left out of the picture entirely.

2. Early Exposure Creates Long-Term Affinity

Brands that build relationships early enjoy higher levels of trust and recognition later. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Career Development found that students exposed to career speakers, job shadowing, and industry visits in high school were more likely to pursue and persist in related postsecondary fields.

This means that even if you recruit after college, your efforts in high school can influence the very talent pool you’ll one day draw from.

The Benefits: Why It Pays to Start Early

1. Talent Stays Local

Many communities struggle with “brain drain,” where the best and brightest leave for bigger cities and never return. Early employer engagement can counteract this trend. When young people see clear career paths in their own region—especially through internships, mentorships, or exposure to inspiring professionals—they’re more likely to envision a future close to home.

In turn, this helps sustain your local economy and ensures a consistent talent supply without excessive recruitment costs.

2. Your Brand Becomes the Benchmark

High schoolers are powerful brand builders, even if they’re not buying your product yet. Positive interactions—whether through school presentations, facility tours, or social media engagement—create strong associations that often last into adulthood.

Down the line, this early exposure leads to:

• Higher application rates
  
  
• Increased employee loyalty
  
  
• A stronger word-of-mouth reputation
  
  

A student who says, “I met someone from that company in high school—they were awesome,” carries that impression into their college years and beyond. That kind of advocacy is invaluable.

3. Culture Spreads in Youth Spaces

Young people talk. What they say about your company—its values, its vibe, its people—shapes how their peers view you. A single internship, mentorship program, or event can ripple through student networks. If your company is seen as inclusive, exciting, or cutting-edge, you win not just a future applicant, but a community of brand ambassadors.

How to Start

You don’t need a huge budget or a dedicated youth outreach team to get started. Small actions go a long way:

• Partner with local schools for career fairs and visits; easily find these events and sign upon SchooLinks.
• Create short-form relatable video content; like answering Q&A videos on SchooLinks, or posting “Day in the life” videos on TikTok. 

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• Offer internships, summer programs, or volunteer work for high schoolers
• Create a profile on SchooLinks so high school students nationwide can learn about your industry as they are doing career readiness exploration
• Train young employees to become relatable ambassadors in school outreach and engage in the creation of content and programs 

Conclusion: Invest Now to Grow Tomorrow

By reaching high school students with a compelling, authentic message about who you are and what you offer, you’re not just building awareness. You’re shaping aspiration.

Early impressions are sticky. If you want to be part of the workforce conversation in five years, start showing up today.

Did you know that students in high school have courses that encourage them to scope out local employers and search for jobs to get familiar with the workforce? Your future employees—and your future community—are already watching.

Interested in getting started in a K12 strategy with SchooLinks? Create a free account today, and reach out to our team if you’d like to learn more. 

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