Career Exploration Workshop

Colleen O'Donoghue

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Career Exploration Workshop

Explore various career options and plan career paths

Students will engage in activities to explore various career options, understand the skills needed, and plan their career paths. They will also learn how to create a resume and prepare for job interviews. This lesson is important as it helps students gain awareness of their career options and enhances essential career readiness skills.

Audience

High School Students

Time

90 mins

Approach

Explore various career options and plan career paths

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Resume Worksheet, Career Paths Handout, Interview Preparation Worksheet, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Welcome the students and explain the objectives of the workshop. Highlight the importance of early career exploration and readiness. Provide a brief overview of the day's activities.

Step 2

Career Exploration Activity

20 mins

Distribute the 'Career Paths Handout' and ask students to review different career options. Have them write down three careers they find interesting on post-it notes and share with the class. Facilitate a discussion on why they chose these careers and what skills are necessary for each.

Step 3

Resume Building

20 mins

Hand out the 'Resume Worksheet' and guide students through creating their resume. Explain the different sections of a resume and provide examples. Allow time for students to ask questions and work on their resumes individually.

Step 4

Interview Preparation

20 mins

Distribute the 'Interview Preparation Worksheet'. Discuss common interview questions and tips for effective responses. Pair students up and have them practice mock interviews, using the worksheet as a guide.

Step 5

Discussion and Q&A

15 mins

Use the 'Discussion Questions' attachment to facilitate a discussion about the workshop. Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply it to their career planning. Address any remaining questions they may have.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Summarize key takeaways from the workshop. Encourage students to continue exploring careers and building their skills. Provide resources for further career exploration and development.

Worksheet

Resume Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students in creating their own resumes, including sections on personal details, education, skills, and work experiences.

Personal Details: Include your name, address, phone number, and email.

Education: List your current school, grade level, and any relevant coursework or achievements.

Skills: What are your top three skills? Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these skills.

Work Experiences: Include any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs you have had.

Worksheet

Interview Preparation Worksheet

This worksheet includes common interview questions and tips for students to practice their responses.

Tell me about yourself.

Provide a brief overview of your background, interests, and career aspirations.

Why are you interested in this position?

Explain what attracts you to this career and how your skills align with the job requirements.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Identify one or two strengths and one area for improvement. Provide examples.

Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Discussion prompts to facilitate reflection and engagement at the end of the workshop.

What did you find most interesting about the career options discussed?

Encourage students to share specific careers and reasons for their interest.

What skills do you think are most important for your chosen career path?

Guide students to consider both technical and soft skills and provide examples.

How do you feel about your resume and interview preparations?

Allow students to express their confidence levels and areas for further improvement.

What steps will you take next to explore and prepare for your future career?

Encourage actionable steps such as researching more careers, seeking volunteer opportunities, and refining resumes.