Career exploration can help students discover about themselves and what interests them. Many resources are available to help students choose the right career path. Below you'll find many resources, strategies, and tools to help students start.
Resources to help you explore your career options
Many resources are available for career exploration. These include those sponsored by local, state, or national organizations. The National Council for Career Development and Employment and Training Administration (ETA), for example, offer a Career Explorer website, which provides detailed descriptions for hundreds of occupations. Each job description includes information about duties, training requirements, pay, and how to get there. These resources can assist you in deciding which career path you want.
The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity also offers resources for career research, including online workshops and career exploration assessment. The National Center offers many resources that are applicable across the academic fields. You can take an online assessment called MyIDP to find out about available jobs if you're interested in a career as an academic. It also has resources that relate to STEM careers.
Strategies to help students find their dream career
There are several strategies teachers could use to engage students with career exploration. One strategy is to get students involved in research. To learn more about different career options, students can access school-approved websites. Schools often pay for career exploration software which allows students browse careers. Another strategy is to teach about careers using the classroom resources and the teacher’s knowledge.
Once students have done their research, the next step is to get them involved in evaluation. The evaluation stage requires students to critically analyze their research and make a decision about which topics they find most interesting. This allows students to get a better understanding of their career choices and help them identify related careers.
Helpful resources to assist students in exploring careers
A student's education should include career exploration. It can help students decide which field to pursue and gives them a clear sense of direction. Online and classroom resources are available to assist students in exploring career options. They provide information about different fields and give assignments to help students define their interests. These activities can also be used to educate students about apprenticeship programs and non-degree pathways.
Students should narrow down the field options by choosing two or four areas to research. Students should then determine their skills and what they would like to do in a paid job. They should then start searching for positions that meet both of these criteria.
Helping students find their career path
It is crucial to explore your career options before you can build a career. Students can use the right tools to determine what jobs they are interested and what training they will require. Then, they can choose the right courses or extracurricular activities that support their goals. This process helps students develop self-esteem and establish a goal for the future. Unfortunately, many public schools do not offer courses that cater to students' interests. They are not equipped to properly prepare them for work.
Students should choose between two and four career paths. After choosing a few fields, they should research each to determine which one fits their interests and skill set. Then they can research what jobs might suit their skills. Once they have narrowed their career options, they are ready to start applying.