What is career exploration?
Classes or programs at school to help you plan for school and/or work after high school. Ideally, these classes…
- Include ALL students.
- Are offered in middle school and high school.
- Help students explore college and career options.
- Help you learn about and explore education and employment options after high school.
- Are required for graduation.
- Follow a curriculum.
- Allow you to practice your job readiness skills.
- Help you learn about yourself.
- Involve guidance counselors.
Career development classes result in…
- Learning about yourself through transition and career assessments. You can explore your interests, values, preferences, skills, and needs.
- Becoming aware of careers and how they match your strengths.
- Exposure to career pathways, including knowing how to prepare for these jobs.
- Exploring STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Career exploration of different types of jobs to open up your opportunities.
- Learning how to use internet tools to explore careers (such as Career Cruisers, O*Net).
- Understanding the qualifications and demand for workers in certain jobs.
- Developing skills and gaining experience and/or training you need to be competitive for careers.
- Developing your communication skills to interact with co-workers and supervisors.
- Learning how to manage your money (such as using credit/debit cards, bank accounts, saving, and budgeting).
- Learning how to interact with co-workers and supervisors.
- Understanding what employers and bosses expect of you.