Get a Job!

Ask students to list at least five of their interest and hobbies. What kinds of careers might be related to each item that they listed? Explain to students that a career should involve something they enjoy.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Students may not be able to decide now on the kind of career they want. Discuss with students that no matter what kind of career they choose, all employers look for certain abilities. Point out that the list of abilities that they need to develop is also a list of the skills of a good employee. Have students share what personal qualities they believe are the basis for a successful career. (Responsibility; being willing to learn; good communication skills; basic math skills; computer skills; thinking skills; teamwork; management skills.) Ask students ways they can start now to develop these skills and qualities.
Explain to students that they are going to the computer lab to complete a career test and then research chosen careers. Students will research to find a career based on their talents and abilities, interests, personality, family life, and goals.
I use the following websites:
Career test: www.learnmoreindiana.org
This website helps students learn about themselves, build an education plan, and explore and prepare for the various options after high school. It allows students to research occupations and begin to develop a portfolio to display to potential employers or educational institutions.
Career research: http://www.bls.gov/k12/
This website features hundreds of occupations and describe What They Do, Work Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more. Each profile also includes Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for the 2010–20 decade.
www.whodouwant2b.com
This is a "just for fun" survey to match career with your interests and personality.
Have students share their findings.