Guiding Principles: Career Exploration

Middle school is the perfect time for career exploration, self-discovery, experiential learning opportunities and seeing the relevancy between learning and future careers. Rather than locking in a specific career choice, middle school exploration allows students to consider possible roles for their future selves.  Career exploration gives students the opportunity to explore and investigate Michigan’s 17 Career Clusters to discover which pathway and careers best align with their interests.  Through embedded classroom lessons and activities, students start to develop an Educational Development Plan (EDP) and a Talent Portfolio. These initiatives will provide enriching learning experiences that promote academic excellence, the development of essential knowledge and skills, and healthy social-emotional growth. These experiences will be designed around the six key targets for Middle School from the Michigan Career Development Model (MCDM): Career Clusters, Academic Connections, Career Exploration, Family Engagement, Career Interests, and Career Planning. 

Transitioning from Elementary to Middle Grades

During the early grade levels, students become familiar with careers through learning that connects classroom instruction to future work. Career awareness and exploration activities are essential for students in elementary and middle school. These strategies introduce students to various types of careers. At the elementary level, it is important that student exposure includes a broad spectrum of Career Zones, including careers that are nontraditional for their gender. During middle school, students are encouraged to explore different careers in the various clusters.   

The links below lead to career exploration resources designed around the six key targets for Middle School from the Michigan Career Development Model (MCDM): Career Clusters, Academic Connections, Career Exploration, Family Engagement, Career Interests, and Career Planning.