Lesson Plan
Navigating Your Career Landscape
Students will explore diverse career paths and align them with their interests, skills, and values to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional journeys.
Understanding personal interests and skills is crucial for choosing a fulfilling career. This lesson empowers students to make informed decisions about their future, leading to more satisfying educational and professional journeys.
Audience
11th Grade Student
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive activities and guided reflection.
Materials
Discovering Your Professional Path (Slide Deck)](#professional-path-slide-deck), Interest and Skills Inventory (Quiz)](#interest-skills-quiz), and My Career Exploration Deep Dive (Project)](#career-deep-dive-project)
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare
15 minutes
- Review the Navigating Your Career Landscape Lesson Plan, Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck, Interest and Skills Inventory Quiz, and My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project.
- Ensure access to projectors or screens for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Interest and Skills Inventory Quiz if not administered digitally.
- Prepare a digital or physical space for students to access the My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project instructions.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Display Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
- Begin with a warm-up question: "What do you imagine yourself doing in 10 years? Share one idea, big or small!"
- Explain that today's lesson will help them start mapping out paths to achieve their future goals.
Step 2
Understanding Interests & Skills
10 minutes
- Display Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck (Slide 3-5).
- Distribute the Interest and Skills Inventory Quiz.
- Instruct students to complete the quiz individually, reflecting on their personal interests and existing skills.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "What was one surprising thing you learned about your interests or skills from the inventory?"
Step 3
Exploring Career Paths
15 minutes
- Display Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck (Slide 6-8).
- Introduce various career exploration resources (e.g., O*NET, vocational guides, college career services websites).
- Guide students through an initial exploration activity, prompting them to identify 2-3 potential career paths that align with their quiz results.
- Encourage students to think broadly about what makes a career fulfilling beyond just income.
Step 4
Introducing the Project
5 minutes
- Display Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck (Slide 9-10).
- Introduce the My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project.
- Explain that this project will allow them to delve deeper into a chosen career path.
- Review the project overview and answer any initial questions.
Step 5
Wrap-up & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Display Discovering Your Professional Path Slide Deck (Slide 11).
- Conclude with a cool-down question: "What is one action step you can take this week to learn more about a career that interests you?"
- Remind students about the My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project and its due date.
Slide Deck
Future Career Compass: Chart Your Course!
Ready to explore where your talents can take you?
Welcome students and introduce the exciting journey of career exploration. Connect this lesson to their future aspirations.
Warm-Up: Imagine Your Future!
What do you imagine yourself doing in 10 years? Share one idea, big or small!
Pose a thought-provoking warm-up question to get students thinking about their future. Encourage brief, open sharing.
What are Your Interests?
What activities do you enjoy?
What topics make you curious?
What problems do you love to solve?
Define 'interests' and prompt students to think about their own passions and what truly excites them.
What are Your Skills?
What are you good at?
What comes easily to you?
What have you learned to do well?
Define 'skills' and distinguish between hard and soft skills. Encourage students to consider their strengths.
Your Personal Inventory
We'll be taking an Interest and Skills Inventory Quiz to help you uncover your unique strengths and passions. This is your personal map!
Introduce the 'Interest and Skills Inventory' as a tool for self-discovery. Explain its purpose and how it will help them.
Exploring the Career Landscape
The world is full of possibilities! How do we navigate them?
Let's start by looking at a wide range of careers.
Transition to exploring different career paths. Emphasize that there are many options out there.
Tools for Discovery
Online resources like O*NET, career websites, and college career services can help you explore.
What resources have you used before?
Provide examples of useful career exploration resources. Explain how these resources can help them learn more.
Connecting the Dots
How do your interests and skills fit with different careers?
Brainstorm 2-3 career paths that spark your curiosity.
Guide students to start connecting their inventory results to potential careers. Encourage them to brainstorm.
Deep Dive Project
You will choose one career path to research in depth with the My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project.
This is your chance to become an expert!
Introduce the culminating project, 'My Career Exploration Deep Dive.' Explain that it's an opportunity for in-depth research.
Project Goals
The My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project will help you:
- Understand daily tasks
- Learn about required education/training
- Explore job outlook and salary
Briefly go over the project's purpose and what students will gain from completing it.
Cool-Down: Your Next Step
What is one action step you can take this week to learn more about a career that interests you?
Conclude with a cool-down question to prompt immediate action and reflection on the lesson.
Quiz
Interest and Skills Inventory
Project Guide
My Career Exploration Deep Dive Project
Objective
To deeply research a career path that aligns with your interests and skills, and to present your findings in an organized manner.
Project Overview
Now that you've completed your Interest and Skills Inventory Quiz and explored some initial career ideas, it's time to choose one career that truly sparks your curiosity and dive deep!
Deliverables
Your deep dive project will consist of a comprehensive report or presentation (your choice!) addressing the following points:
1. Career Profile
- Career Name: What is the specific job title?
- Job Description: What are the main responsibilities and daily tasks?
- Work Environment: Where do people in this career typically work? (e.g., office, outdoors, hospital, remote)
2. Education and Training
- Required Education: What level of education is generally required? (e.g., high school diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, certifications)
- Relevant Skills: What specific skills (both soft and hard) are essential for success in this career?
- Pathways: Are there different routes to enter this career? (e.g., internships, vocational training, apprenticeships)
3. Outlook and Compensation
- Job Outlook: Is this a growing field? What is the projected job growth?
- Average Salary: What is the typical salary range for this profession (entry-level, experienced)?
4. Personal Connection & Reflection
- Why this career? Explain why this specific career interests you and how it aligns with your personal interests and skills.
- Next Steps: What is one concrete step you can take in the next year to explore this career further?
Presentation/Report Format
Choose ONE of the following formats for your project:
Option A: Written Report
- A 2-3 page typed report (double-spaced, 12pt font).
- Include a title page with your name, the career name, and the date.
- Organize your report with clear headings corresponding to the sections above.
Option B: Presentation (Slides or Poster)
- A 5-7 slide digital presentation (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint) or a physical poster board.
- Include visuals (images, charts, etc.) relevant to your chosen career.
- Be prepared to briefly discuss your findings.
Assessment Criteria
Your project will be assessed based on:
- Completeness: Did you address all required sections?
- Accuracy: Is the information you presented factual and well-researched?
- Clarity & Organization: Is your report/presentation easy to understand and well-structured?
- Personal Reflection: Did you clearly articulate your connection to the career and thoughtful next steps?
- Effort: Did you demonstrate a thorough and engaged approach to your research?
Due Date: [Insert Due Date Here]