Daffaney Griffin still has a year to decide where to go to school and what career to pursue, but the Pike County High School junior already knows what she wants to do and is working hard to prepare herself for it.

"Once you find a job you like, you won't dread going to work … money is important but you need to choose a profession that you like, something that interests you," Griffin said.

For Griffin, the ideal job would include math and everyday interaction with people.

"I'm just that kind of person," Griffin said. "I really like to talk to people … I could talk all day."

For her, the solution lies somewhere in the business world, more specifically in a position that requires communication, creativity and management skills.

"I want to be an (advertising) account executive," Griffin said. "I think I would really enjoy that."

But she knows she can't get there overnight, so Griffin has started preparing now. She is actively involved with the Business and Finance Academy, which is housed at her school, and the PCHS chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.

Griffin said her involvement in these two business organizations has taught her a lot about how businesses work.

"The Business and Finance Academy is a good experience and I have a feel for business," she said. "It's helped me get ready for the business world."

But she knows that numbers, finances and business savvy aren't the only skills she needs to develop. Griffin said FBLA helps her improve her communication skills.

"Our FBLA will go to a district competition in Mobile and I'll be able to compete (in the interview portion) with other kids in Alabama and all the other students in Pike County," Griffin said. "If I do a good job then I'll win and be able to go to Birmingham (for state competition)."

Every year since eighth grade Griffin has shadowed a business on Job Shadow Day. This year, Job Shadow Day was on Monday and Griffin visited the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

"I do it every year," she said. "Basically, the reason why I do it is because I want to branch out and see what people do in their jobs. It helps me decide what I want to do in the future."