Investigating Careers

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. - Confucius

What is Investigating Careers?

To ensure success your child's future career endeavors in the world of work - it is essential to begin CAREER DEVELOPMENT at the Junior High level. Exploring Careers is a course designed to help your child to understand the career selection process, expand knowledge of career opportunities, narrow the list down and ensure that their educational choices do not limit their future choices. Their goal is not to choose one particular occupation at this time - but, to realize the impact a career will have on their life and the MANY things they should consider in their career decision.

We will explore many aspects that will affect their career choices – their interests, abilities, talents and work values. Knowing more about what is important to them will help them to make a more informed career choice. Students often make a career decision without realizing what is involved in that job – so, we will discuss many jobs, the duties involved and work environment. Students will research the educational requirements of different occupations. We will learn job acquisition skills so students can be more competitive in the job market. This includes applications, resumes and interview skills. They will be introduced to productive work habits, behaviors that employers expect, and learn basic workplace skills so they can KEEP their job! We will plan high school courses to achieve success. Since all students need to know how to manage money once they start earning it – we will cover Personal Finance.

High school is an important time for a student. I encourage each of them to take courses related to careers in which they are interested, pursue summer jobs, and talk to people involved in the careers they like. Sometimes it is just as important to know what you DON’T want to do. And most of all – learn of all the different possibilities that are available to them. There are over 20,000 jobs – but kids are only aware of the ones they are familiar with. Why is this important? Twenty years ago, high school graduates could find jobs and work their way up to the middle class without further training. Times have changed! Most low-paying jobs lead to more low-paying jobs. Higher paying jobs required advanced education and training in the right fields. To avoid making huge mistakes that can be very costly, it is a good time for you and your child to begin exploring their options together.