Script: Your Career Compass

Warm Up: Dream Job Match (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Let's kick things off with a quick warm-up. I want you to close your eyes for a moment, or just think quietly to yourselves. Imagine your absolute dream job, or a job you've always aspired to have. What does it look like? What are you doing? Now, open your eyes. Can anyone share one skill they think is really important for that dream job? Don't worry about being perfect, just one skill."

(Allow a few participants to share. Acknowledge and affirm their responses.)

(Teacher says): "Excellent! You've hit on some really key skills. Today, we're going to talk about how we can build on those skills and use our own voices to help us get, keep, and even grow in jobs like the ones you're imagining."

Introduction: Your Career Compass (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Welcome to 'Your Career Compass: Navigating Your Path to Success.' (Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 1). Think of a compass; it helps you find your way. Today, we're going to talk about your career compass. We'll be exploring two main things: first, how to plan your career journey, and second, how to speak up for yourself effectively in the workplace.

(Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 2). Why is this important? Because understanding vocational planning and self-advocacy gives you more control over your career. It helps you get the job you want, keep it, and even advance. Ultimately, it helps you feel more confident and empowered in your work life. This isn't just about finding a job; it's about building a fulfilling career path for yourselves."

Understanding Vocational Planning Steps (15 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Let's dive into the first part of our compass: Vocational Planning. This is like creating a roadmap for your career. It helps you figure out where you want to go and how to get there. (Distribute Worksheet: My Vocational Plan to participants.) Please take one of these worksheets. We'll work through the first section together.

(Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 3). The first step is Self-Assessment. This is all about you! What are your unique skills and talents? What are you good at? What do you genuinely enjoy doing, even when it doesn't feel like 'work'? Think about your hobbies, things you've learned, or tasks you complete easily. Also, consider what kind of work environment makes you feel comfortable and productive. Is it quiet? Collaborative? Fast-paced? Take a few minutes to jot down some ideas in the 'Self-Assessment' section of your worksheet.

(Allow 3-4 minutes for reflection and writing.)

(Teacher says): "Great! Now that you've thought about yourselves, let's move to (Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 4) Career Exploration. This is like looking at a map to see all the different destinations. What jobs are out there that might fit your skills and interests? This step involves researching different careers, learning about what those jobs require, and understanding the training or education needed. It's also helpful to talk to people who are already in those jobs. What do they like? What are the challenges? In the 'Career Exploration' section of your worksheet, write down a few jobs that sound interesting to you, or areas you'd like to explore."

(Allow 3-4 minutes for reflection and writing.)

(Teacher says): "Fantastic! Finally, we come to (Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 5) Goal Setting. Once you know a bit more about yourself and the jobs available, where do you want to go? This is where you set clear, achievable career goals. Think both short-term – like 'I want to learn more about X by next month' – and long-term – 'I want to be working as a Y in five years.' It's important to break these big goals into smaller, manageable steps. On your worksheet, under 'Goal Setting,' write down one short-term and one long-term career goal."

(Allow 3-4 minutes for reflection and writing.)

Reading & Discussion: Advocacy at Work (15 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Now, let's talk about a powerful tool to help you achieve these goals: self-advocacy. I'm going to hand out a short reading called Reading: Advocacy at Work. Please take a few minutes to read through it quietly."

(Distribute Reading: Advocacy at Work and allow 5-7 minutes for reading.)

(Teacher says): "Alright, everyone. Now that you've read about advocacy, let's discuss it. (Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 6). What is self-advocacy? Simply put, it's about speaking up for yourself, understanding your rights, communicating your needs, and asking for what you need to succeed in a respectful way. It's about being your own best champion.

(Advance to Your Career Compass Slide Deck - Slide 7). Why is advocacy so important at work? Think about the reading and your own experiences. When might you need to advocate for yourself? (Use Discussion Prompts: Sharing Success to guide the conversation.)

• Prompt 1: Can someone give an example of a situation where an employee might need to advocate for themselves at work? (e.g., needing a specific type of chair, clarifying a task, discussing a promotion, asking for a different work schedule).
• Prompt 2: What are some good ways to communicate your needs clearly and respectfully to a supervisor or coworker?
• Prompt 3: How can self-advocacy help you maintain your job or even advance in your career?

(Facilitate a discussion for about 8-10 minutes, encouraging participants to share their thoughts and examples. Guide them back to the reading for insights if needed.)

Activity: Role-Playing Advocacy (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "That was a really insightful discussion! Now, let's put some of these advocacy skills into practice. We're going to do a quick role-playing activity. (Introduce Activity: Role-Playing Advocacy.) I'll divide you into pairs or small groups. Each group will get a scenario where someone needs to advocate for themselves. Your job is to act out the situation, with one person being the employee and the other being a supervisor or coworker. Remember to be clear, respectful, and focused on finding a solution. I'll be walking around to listen and offer feedback."

(Divide participants, distribute the activity, and allow 7-8 minutes for role-playing. Circulate and provide support.)

(Teacher says): "Alright, bring it back together. Great effort, everyone! Did anyone have a particularly interesting scenario or learn something new from the role-play?"

(Allow 2 minutes for brief sharing.)

Quiz & Review (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "We've covered a lot today. Let's see what you remember with a short quiz. (Distribute Quiz: Vocational & Advocacy Check.) Please answer these questions to the best of your ability. Don't worry, this isn't for a grade, it's just to help us see what we've learned."

(Allow 3 minutes for participants to complete the quiz.)

(Teacher says): "Time's up. Let's quickly go over the answers together. I have the Answer Key: Vocational & Advocacy Check here. If you had a different answer, that's okay! This is a chance to clarify anything that was confusing."

(Quickly review answers, inviting questions and providing explanations.)

Cool Down: One Big Step (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "To wrap things up today, I want us to think about one important takeaway. (Introduce Cool Down: One Big Step.) On your Worksheet: My Vocational Plan (or a separate piece of paper), I want you to write down one actionable step you will take based on what we discussed today. It could be something about your vocational plan, or something about practicing self-advocacy. Just one small, concrete step. For example, 'I will research one job role that interests me this week,' or 'I will think about one thing I could advocate for at my current volunteer position.'"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for participants to write their step.)

(Teacher says): "Would anyone like to share their 'one big step'? No pressure, but it's often helpful to hear what others are planning."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for sharing if comfortable.)

(Teacher says): "Thank you all for your active participation today! Remember, your career compass is yours to steer. By planning your path and advocating for yourselves, you're building a stronger, more successful future. Keep practicing these skills, and don't hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Great job, everyone!"

Worksheet: My Vocational Plan

Section 1: Self-Assessment

Think about your strengths, interests, and what you enjoy.

1. What are your top 3 skills or talents? (Things you are good at)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are 3 things you enjoy doing, whether it's a hobby or a task?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Describe your ideal work environment. (e.g., quiet, team-oriented, active, creative)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Career Exploration

Based on your self-assessment, what kinds of jobs or fields sound interesting to you?

1. List 2-3 job titles or industries you would like to explore.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one new thing you could learn to help you in one of these jobs?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: Goal Setting

Let's set some goals for your vocational journey.

1. Short-term goal (something you can achieve in the next 1-3 months):
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Long-term goal (something you aim for in the next 1-5 years):
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cool Down: My One Big Step

What is one actionable step you will take based on what you learned today?

Reading: Advocacy at Work

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and your needs. It's about understanding your rights, communicating what you need, and making sure your voice is heard. In the workplace, self-advocacy is a powerful tool that helps you succeed, feel confident, and build a positive career.

Why is Self-Advocacy Important at Work?

Working can be rewarding, but sometimes you might need extra support or a different way of doing things. This is especially true for individuals with disabilities. Here's why self-advocacy is key:

• Getting the Support You Need: You might need certain tools, adjustments to your workspace, or different ways of receiving instructions. Advocating for these is how you get them.
• Clear Communication: Sometimes, misunderstandings can happen. Self-advocacy helps you ask for clarity, confirm tasks, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Job Satisfaction: When your needs are met and you feel understood, you're more likely to enjoy your job and perform better.
• Career Growth: If you want to learn new skills, take on more responsibility, or even get a promotion, advocating for these opportunities is essential.
• Problem Solving: If a problem comes up at work, knowing how to express your concerns and work towards a solution is a valuable skill.

How to Practice Self-Advocacy

Practicing self-advocacy doesn't mean being aggressive or demanding. It means being clear, respectful, and focused on solutions. Here are some tips:

1. Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as an employee, especially if you have a disability. Organizations like the Department of Labor or local disability resource centers can provide information.
2. Identify Your Needs: Before you speak up, be clear about what you need. What specific changes or supports would help you do your job better?
3. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet time to talk to your supervisor or HR representative. Avoid discussing important issues when you or they are stressed or busy.
4. Be Clear and Specific: Explain your needs directly and clearly. Instead of saying, "This job is hard," you could say, "I'm having trouble with task X. Would it be possible to get instructions in writing, or could we break it down into smaller steps?"
5. Focus on Solutions: When you advocate, offer solutions or suggestions if you have them. This shows you're thinking proactively.
6. Be Respectful: Always maintain a respectful tone, even if you're feeling frustrated. Politeness goes a long way.
7. Follow Up: If you discuss a need or an accommodation, make sure to follow up to ensure it's being addressed. A polite email summarizing your conversation can be very helpful.

Self-advocacy is a skill that gets stronger with practice. By confidently communicating your needs, you're not only helping yourself but also showing your value as an employee.

Discussion Prompts: Sharing Success

Let's talk about self-advocacy in action!

1. Can someone give an example of a situation where an employee might need to advocate for themselves at work?
   • Think about: needing a specific type of tool, clarifying a task, discussing a promotion, asking for a different work schedule, needing a break.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
2. What are some good ways to communicate your needs clearly and respectfully to a supervisor or coworker? What words or phrases could you use?
   • Consider: using "I statements," being specific, offering solutions.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
3. How can self-advocacy help you maintain your job or even advance in your career?
   • Think about: showing initiative, building trust, getting necessary support.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
4. Is there a time you felt proud that you advocated for yourself, even outside of work? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Activity: Role-Playing Advocacy

Objective: To practice self-advocacy skills in different workplace scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Work with a partner or in small groups.
2. Read through the scenarios below. Each person will choose one scenario to role-play.
3. One person will be the Employee (the person needing to advocate).
4. The other person will be the Supervisor/Coworker (the person being spoken to).
5. Act out the scenario, focusing on clear, respectful communication and problem-solving.
6. After each role-play, discuss what went well and what could be improved.

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Asking for a Desk Adjustment

• Employee: You have a new desk job, and after a few days, you realize the chair is uncomfortable and causes back pain. You need a more ergonomic chair or a standing desk option.
• Supervisor: You are the employee's supervisor. You want your employees to be comfortable and productive, but budget is a concern.

Scenario 2: Clarifying a Task

• Employee: Your supervisor gave you a new task, but the instructions were a bit unclear, and you're not sure exactly how to start or what the final product should look like. You want to do a good job and avoid mistakes.
• Supervisor: You are the employee's supervisor. You're busy but want to ensure your team understands their work.

Scenario 3: Discussing Training for Advancement

• Employee: You've been at your current job for a while and are interested in moving up in the company. You've noticed a new training program that could help you gain skills for a higher position, and you want to ask your supervisor about participating.
• Supervisor: You are the employee's supervisor. You appreciate ambitious employees but need to consider company resources and current workload.

Scenario 4: Managing a Distraction

• Employee: You find it hard to concentrate on your work when your cubicle neighbor constantly talks on the phone loudly. You need a quieter environment to focus without causing conflict.
• Coworker: You are the cubicle neighbor. You are generally friendly and don't realize your phone conversations are disruptive.

Answer Key: Vocational & Advocacy Check

Question 1

Which of these is the first step in vocational planning?

• A. Applying for jobs
• B. Self-assessment
• C. Setting career goals
• D. Attending interviews

Correct Answer: B. Self-assessment

Explanation: Before you can plan where you want to go, you need to understand your own skills, interests, and values. Self-assessment helps you identify what kind of work would be a good fit for you.

Question 2

Name two benefits of practicing self-advocacy at work.

Possible Answers:

• Getting the support you need (e.g., accommodations, clearer instructions)
• Improving clear communication (avoiding misunderstandings)
• Increasing job satisfaction (feeling understood and supported)
• Facilitating career growth (asking for training, promotions)
• Effective problem-solving (addressing issues constructively)

Explanation: Self-advocacy empowers you to shape your work environment and career path by ensuring your needs and goals are known and addressed.

Question 3

Which of the following is a good way to communicate your needs when advocating for yourself?

• A. Yelling loudly until you get what you want
• B. Being vague and indirect
• C. Clearly and respectfully explaining your needs
• D. Expecting others to guess what you need

Correct Answer: C. Clearly and respectfully explaining your needs

Explanation: Effective advocacy involves expressing yourself in a way that is easy to understand and shows respect for the other person. This approach leads to more positive outcomes.

Question 4

Briefly describe one short-term career goal you might set for yourself.

Possible Answers (examples):

• "Research one job role that truly interests me online this week."
• "Update my resume with new skills I've gained."
• "Talk to a career counselor about my interests within the next month."
• "Complete an online tutorial for a skill relevant to a job I'm considering."

Explanation: Short-term goals are specific, actionable steps you can take in the near future (e.g., 1-3 months) to move closer to your larger career objectives.

Question 5

Advocacy in the workplace can help you with:

• A. Only getting a new job
• B. Only keeping your job
• C. Getting, keeping, and advancing in your job
• D. Only complaining about your job

Correct Answer: C. Getting, keeping, and advancing in your job

Explanation: Self-advocacy is a continuous skill that supports your entire career journey, from applying for roles, to performing well and staying employed, and seeking opportunities for growth.

Warm Up: Dream Job Match

Objective: To activate prior knowledge and engage students by thinking about their career aspirations and relevant skills.

Instructions:

1. Take a moment to close your eyes or simply think quietly.
2. Imagine your absolute dream job or a job you would love to have in the future.
3. What does this job look like? What tasks are you doing? How does it make you feel?
4. Now, think of one important skill that someone would need to be successful in that dream job.

Share Out:

• What is your dream job (or a type of job you aspire to)?
• What is one skill you think is important for that job?

Cool Down: One Big Step

Objective: To encourage reflection and commitment to an actionable step related to vocational planning or self-advocacy.

Instructions:

1. Think about everything we discussed today regarding vocational planning and self-advocacy.
2. On your Worksheet: My Vocational Plan in the designated section, or on a separate piece of paper, write down one actionable step you will take as a result of today's lesson.
3. This should be a concrete, small step you can realistically accomplish soon.

Examples:

• "I will research one job role that interests me online this week."
• "I will update my resume with a new skill I learned."
• "I will think about one thing I could politely advocate for at my current volunteer position or job."
• "I will ask a friend or family member for their opinion on my strengths."

My One Big Step: