Career Exploration

Too often, school feels disconnected from real-life aspirations and students sometimes struggle to connect their school work with their future in the real world. Choosing that future is a real world challenge that students find highly motivating and this video unveils the powerful impact of guiding students toward their future careers. Empower your students by initiating a vibrant career exploration project that isn’t just another task; it’s a journey that can shape destinies!

How much do you think your students understand about the landscape of potential career paths?

Which career paths are most common in your community?

To what extent does your school celebrate alternative paths forward beyond college acceptances (e.g., enlisting in the military, community service, a job or apprenticeship, a Gap year)? Do you give equal emphasis to a full range of careers?

What resources do you have that might help your students connect the dots between their dream career and their education?

Walk the halls of your local high school and ask, “Do these kids get the message that the only admired path forward is college?” Does the school celebrate college acceptances, but not alternative paths forward (e.g., enlisting in the military, community service, a job or apprenticeship)?

Check out these additional resources:

READ: “Fostering Elementary Career Exploration with an Interactive, Technology-Based Career Development Unit” by Mary Edwin

READ: “A School Leader’s Approach to Career Education”

READ: “Career Exploration at the Middle School Level: Barriers and Opportunities” by Samantha Godbey