Lesson Plan
Career Quest Lesson Plan
Students will identify personal interests and strengths, explore compatible career options, and develop a personalized shortlist and action plan for post-high school pathways.
This lesson builds self-awareness and decision-making skills, guiding 10th graders to make informed career choices and set concrete next steps toward their future goals.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Self-assessment plus guided peer discussion and planning.
Materials
- Projector or SMART Board, - Sticky Notes, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Student Self-Assessment Worksheet Self-Assessment Worksheet, - Career Exploration Guide Career Exploration Guide, and - Action Plan Template Action Plan Template
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Self-Assessment Worksheet for each student
- Print or distribute digital copies of the Career Exploration Guide
- Prepare copies of the Action Plan Template
- Arrange classroom seating for small-group discussion
- Load any slides or projector visuals on career pathways
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-up
5 minutes
- Briefly introduce the lesson objective and outline the 30-minute agenda
- Ask students to jot down three words describing what they enjoy doing on sticky notes
- Collect a few examples and discuss how interests can point to career ideas
Step 2
Self-Assessment Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Assessment Worksheet
- Instruct students to complete sections on interests, strengths, and values
- Circulate to support students and clarify any questions
- Collect worksheets for reference later
Step 3
Peer Discussion
8 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4
- Give each group chart paper and markers
- Provide the Career Exploration Guide
- Ask groups to match top 2 interests/strengths to careers in the guide and record ideas on chart paper
- Encourage each student to share why a particular career resonates with them
Step 4
Action Plan Development
5 minutes
- Hand out the Action Plan Template
- Students select their top 2–3 career options and list 1–2 next steps (e.g., research college programs, job shadow)
- Prompt them to include target deadlines
- Offer support for any student needing extra guidance
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
2 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one career option and next step
- Remind students to keep their worksheets and action plans for future counseling sessions
- Encourage them to revisit and refine their plans as they gather more information
Slide Deck
Career Quest: Pathways Unlocked
Exploring Post-High School Career Options
Tier 2 Group Lesson | 10th Grade | 30 Minutes
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Emphasize that by the end of the session, they’ll have concrete next steps toward exploring careers.
Lesson Objectives
• Identify personal interests, strengths, and values
• Explore compatible career pathways
• Select top career options and draft an action plan
• Set deadlines for next steps
Briefly read through objectives. Make sure students understand why each objective matters.
Why Career Planning Matters
• Increases self-awareness and confidence
• Guides course and extracurricular choices
• Prepares you for post-secondary pathways
• Helps set realistic goals and timelines
Discuss how planning early can reduce stress and open opportunities.
Warm-Up: What Inspires You?
On a sticky note, write three words that describe what you love doing most.
• Hobbies or activities
• Skills you enjoy using
Be prepared to share!
Ask students to take 1–2 minutes silently writing three words on their sticky notes. Collect a few and discuss.
Self-Assessment Activity
Complete your Self-Assessment Worksheet:
• Interests: What excites you?
• Strengths: What are you good at?
• Values: What matters most in a job?
Hand out the worksheets. Circulate and offer examples if students get stuck.
Peer Discussion: Match & Explore
In groups, use the Career Exploration Guide to:
- Match your top 2 interests/strengths with careers
- Record at least 3 career ideas on chart paper
- Discuss why each appeals to you
Form groups of 3–4. Provide chart paper and guides. Encourage each student to speak.
Action Plan Development
Using the Action Plan Template, for each top career:
• List 1–2 next steps (e.g., research programs, job shadow)
• Set target deadlines
• Identify who can support you
Distribute templates. Prompt students to pick 2–3 careers and define next steps with deadlines.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• 2–3 volunteers share a career + next step
• Keep your worksheets and action plan for counseling
• Refine your plan as you learn more
Invite volunteers to share one career and one next step. Reinforce importance of revisiting plans.
Keep Exploring
Questions?
Visit the counseling office or check online resources to dive deeper into careers.
Thank students for participation. Remind them that exploring careers is an ongoing process.
Worksheet
Self-Assessment Worksheet
1. Interests
- What activities or subjects do you enjoy the most? Why?
- List three hobbies or pastimes that you are passionate about.
2. Strengths
- What skills or talents do you feel you excel at?
- Provide an example of a time when you used one of these strengths successfully.
3. Values
- Which aspects of a job are most important to you (e.g., helping others, creativity, stability)?
- Describe your ideal work environment and explain why it appeals to you.
4. Reflection
Based on your answers above, write a brief summary (2–3 sentences) of what you’ve learned about yourself so far.
Reading
Career Exploration Guide
Use this guide to explore broad career clusters, discover what each entails, and see examples of jobs you might pursue.
1. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Careers focused on cultivating the land, managing resources, and protecting wildlife.
- Agronomist: Improves crop production through science and research.
- Veterinarian: Cares for the health of animals on farms or in clinics.
- Wildlife Biologist: Studies animals and ecosystems in natural habitats.
2. Architecture & Construction
Paths that design, build, and maintain structures and spaces.
- Architect: Plans and designs buildings and communities.
- Carpenter: Builds frameworks, walls, and structures for construction sites.
- Urban Planner: Develops plans for land use and community growth.
3. Arts, Audio/Visual Technology & Communications
Fields that create, perform, and distribute multimedia content.
- Graphic Designer: Crafts visual concepts for print and digital media.
- Film Editor: Assembles raw footage into a polished finished product.
- Journalist: Reports news stories through writing, audio, or video.
4. Business Management & Administration
Roles that organize, lead, and support operations within companies.
- Human Resources Specialist: Manages hiring, benefits, and employee relations.
- Office Manager: Oversees administrative staff and daily office functions.
- Entrepreneur: Starts and manages new business ventures.
5. Finance
Occupations involving money management, markets, and investments.
- Financial Analyst: Evaluates investment opportunities for clients.
- Accountant: Prepares and reviews financial records and taxes.
- Bank Manager: Supervises branch operations and customer service.
6. Health Science
Careers dedicated to promoting and maintaining health in individuals and communities.
- Nurse: Provides patient care and education in hospitals or clinics.
- Medical Laboratory Technician: Conducts tests to help diagnose illnesses.
- Physical Therapist: Helps patients recover mobility through exercises.
7. Information Technology
Jobs centered on computing, software, and network systems.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protects systems from digital threats.
- Software Developer: Designs and builds computer applications.
- Network Administrator: Maintains and troubleshoots network infrastructure.
8. Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Paths dedicated to upholding laws and protecting communities.
- Police Officer: Enforces laws and maintains public order.
- Paralegal: Assists lawyers with legal research and documentation.
- Firefighter: Responds to emergencies and fights fires.
9. Manufacturing
Roles that produce and assemble goods and products.
- Industrial Engineer: Optimizes manufacturing processes for efficiency.
- Quality Control Inspector: Ensures products meet industry standards.
- CNC Machinist: Operates computer-controlled machines for precision parts.
10. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Fields that apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems.
- Civil Engineer: Designs and oversees construction of infrastructure.
- Environmental Scientist: Studies environmental issues and develops solutions.
- Data Scientist: Analyzes complex data to guide decisions.
11. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Careers managing the movement of goods and people.
- Logistics Coordinator: Plans and tracks shipments for efficient delivery.
- Airline Pilot: Flies aircraft to transport passengers and cargo.
- Supply Chain Manager: Oversees the flow of products from origin to consumer.
Use this guide to match your interests and strengths with possibilities. In your peer groups, discuss which clusters appeal to you and why, then explore specific job examples that resonate with your goals.
Worksheet
Action Plan Template
Use this template to organize your next steps for exploring your top career options. Complete at least two options, set clear deadlines, and identify supports.
Career Option 1
- Career Title:
- Next Steps:
- Step 1:
- Step 2:
- Target Deadline:
- Support & Resources (people, websites, books, etc.):
Career Option 2
- Career Title:
- Next Steps:
- Step 1:
- Step 2:
- Target Deadline:
- Support & Resources (people, websites, books, etc.):
Career Option 3 (Optional)
- Career Title:
- Next Steps:
- Step 1:
- Step 2:
- Target Deadline:
- Support & Resources (people, websites, books, etc.):
Warm Up
Career Flash Icebreaker
Time: 5 minutes
Purpose: Get students talking about careers, build energy and rapport.
Instructions:
- Ask everyone to stand up and find a partner.
- In your pair, take turns answering both prompts (about 1 minute total per pair):
- Name one career you find interesting.
- Share one reason why it appeals to you (one word or short phrase).
- After 1 minute, teacher calls “Switch!”
- Find a new partner and repeat (aim for 2–3 rounds).
- Bring everyone back together.
Debrief (1–2 minutes):
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one career they heard from a partner and why it sounded exciting.