Career Exploration Workshop

Jade Hodge

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Career Exploration Workshop

Explore various career paths and skills

This workshop will introduce students to a variety of career paths and the skills required to pursue them. The session includes presentations from guest speakers in different professions and interactive activities to help students align their interests and strengths with potential career choices. This workshop aims to empower students with knowledge and inspiration for their future careers.

Audience

Leaders (ages 13-18)

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore various career paths and skills

Materials

Guest Speaker Bios, Career Path Worksheet, Projector and Screen, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Welcome the students and introduce the topic of career exploration.
Explain the importance of understanding different career paths and the skills required.
Briefly introduce the guest speakers and outline the agenda for the workshop.

Step 2

Guest Speaker Presentations

30 mins

Each guest speaker shares their career journey, including education, skills needed, challenges, and rewards.
Allow each speaker approximately 10 minutes.
Encourage students to take notes and prepare questions for a Q&A session later.

Step 3

Q&A with Guest Speakers

10 mins

Open the floor for students to ask questions to the guest speakers.
Maintain a supportive and respectful environment for both speakers and students.
Ensure questions are directed to different speakers to cover diverse topics and experiences.

Step 4

Interactive Activity

5 mins

Distribute the 'Career Path Worksheet' to each student.
Ask students to spend a few minutes filling in their interests, strengths, and potential career paths they are curious about.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Facilitate a brief discussion on what students learned from the presentations and their thoughts on future careers.
Encourage students to share insights from their worksheet.

Step 6

Closure

3 mins

Summarize the key points discussed during the workshop.
Thank the guest speakers and students for their participation.
Provide information on resources available for further career exploration.

Discussion

Guest Speaker Discussion

This discussion will help students engage with the guest speakers and deepen their understanding of different career paths.

What inspired you to choose your current career?

Encourage guest speakers to share personal stories or pivotal moments that led to their career choice.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Look for responses that highlight resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.

What skills do you think are essential for success in your field?

Focus on both hard and soft skills relevant to each speaker's profession.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?

Encourage practical tips, including educational paths, networking, and gaining experience.

Worksheet

Career Path Worksheet

This worksheet will help students identify their interests, strengths, and potential career paths that align with them.

List three interests or hobbies you have.

Consider what activities you enjoy doing in your free time.

Identify two strengths or skills you possess.

Think about what others compliment you on or what you excel at in school or sports.

Research and note down two careers that align with your interests and strengths.

Use resources like career websites or ask the guest speakers for recommendations.

What are some steps you can take to explore these career options further?

Consider job shadowing, internships, or educational paths.