Career Exploration Cards

Use these cards in groups to explore different careers. For each card, discuss the following:

1. Job Duties: What does a person in this career do day to day?
2. Required Skills: What strengths or abilities are essential?
3. Education/Training: What schooling or certifications are needed?
4. Surprising Fact: Share one interesting thing you learned.

Card 1: Software Developer

• Overview: Designs, writes, and tests code for applications and systems
• Typical Duties:
  • Collaborate with teams to define software requirements
  • Write and debug programs in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript
  • Maintain and update existing software
• Required Skills: Problem-solving, logical thinking, attention to detail
• Education/Training: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or coding bootcamp
• Surprising Fact: Some developers use “pair programming,” writing code together to catch errors early.

Card 2: Registered Nurse

• Overview: Provides care, education, and emotional support to patients
• Typical Duties:
  • Monitor patient vital signs and administer medications
  • Educate patients about treatment plans
  • Coordinate with doctors and other healthcare staff
• Required Skills: Communication, empathy, critical thinking
• Education/Training: Nursing diploma or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); licensure exam (NCLEX)
• Surprising Fact: Nurses can specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, or emergency care.

Card 3: Architect

• Overview: Plans and designs buildings and other structures for safety and aesthetics
• Typical Duties:
  • Create detailed blueprints and 3D models
  • Consult with clients to understand needs and budgets
  • Work with engineers and contractors during construction
• Required Skills: Creativity, spatial reasoning, technical drawing
• Education/Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture; licensure required
• Surprising Fact: Modern architects often use virtual reality to let clients “walk through” designs.

Card 4: Graphic Designer

• Overview: Creates visual content using typography, photography, and illustration
• Typical Duties:
  • Develop logos, marketing materials, and web graphics
  • Choose color schemes and layouts
  • Collaborate with marketing teams and clients
• Required Skills: Creativity, attention to detail, proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
• Education/Training: Associate or Bachelor’s in Graphic Design; portfolio of work
• Surprising Fact: Designers sometimes use mood boards—collages of images and colors—to inspire a project’s style.

Card 5: Veterinarian

• Overview: Diagnoses and treats illnesses in animals; promotes animal health
• Typical Duties:
  • Perform surgeries and administer vaccines
  • Advise pet owners on nutrition and care
  • Conduct research on animal disease prevention
• Required Skills: Compassion, problem-solving, steady hands
• Education/Training: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree; state licensure
• Surprising Fact: Some veterinarians specialize in exotic animals like birds or reptiles.

Card 6: Chef

• Overview: Plans menus, prepares meals, and manages kitchen staff
• Typical Duties:
  • Develop and test new recipes
  • Oversee food presentation and quality control
  • Manage inventory and order supplies
• Required Skills: Creativity, time management, leadership
• Education/Training: Culinary school or apprenticeship; on-the-job training
• Surprising Fact: Michelin-star chefs sometimes train for years in high-pressure kitchen environments.

Card 7: Civil Engineer

• Overview: Designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure like roads and bridges
• Typical Duties:
  • Conduct site inspections and feasibility studies
  • Create detailed engineering plans
  • Oversee construction to ensure safety standards
• Required Skills: Math, analytical thinking, project management
• Education/Training: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license
• Surprising Fact: Some civil engineers specialize in earthquake-proof building design.

Card 8: Environmental Scientist

• Overview: Studies and solves environmental problems to protect ecosystems
• Typical Duties:
  • Collect and analyze air, water, and soil samples
  • Develop conservation plans and environmental policies
  • Educate communities about sustainability
• Required Skills: Observation, data analysis, communication
• Education/Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science
• Surprising Fact: Environmental scientists might use drones to survey hard-to-reach habitats.

Career Interest Survey & Personal Career Map Worksheet

Part 1: Career Interest Survey

Read each activity or topic below. Circle each item you find Very Interesting (V), Somewhat Interesting (S), or Not Interesting (N).

After circling, choose two areas you marked V. List them below and write one reason for each choice.

1. ________________________________ (Reason: ________________________________)
   
   
   
   
2. ________________________________ (Reason: ________________________________)
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Personal Career Map

Choose one of the two areas you listed above. Use that as your starting point to build a career map.

1. Career Title: What is one specific job or career that fits your interest?

   ---

2. Passion Connections: How does this career connect to what you enjoy?

   ---

   ---

3. Strengths & Skills: What personal strengths or skills will help you succeed in this career?

   • ---

   • ---

4. Education & Training: What schooling, courses, or experiences will you need?

   ---

   ---

5. Next Steps: List at least three concrete actions you can take this week or month to move toward this career.

   a. ________________________________________________________________

   
   b. ________________________________________________________________

6. Reflection: What skill will you focus on developing this week? How will you practice it?

   ---

   ---