| The decision about a career is one of the most important
that any young person will make. Although there is much information
available about the fast-changing world of work, there is no easy
way to explore one’s options in the real world. |
| Many community and youth groups incorporate career exploration
into their programs. Some school counselors manage career centers
as part of academic counseling. |
| Our Career Club Guide
was compiled by a group including students, teachers, parents, and
business and university people. Its goal is to share ideas for
activities and projects to do with children or teens to help them
explore career possibilities. It is intended as a resource for career
clubs, scout leaders, teachers, counselors, parents, or anyone working
with a youth group. |
| Also, be sure to explore our Career
Planning Resources and please share your ideas for career
activities and projects with our webmaster for inclusion in
future editions of this guide. |
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Example of a Career Club |
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| Owen Elementary School
in Pontiac has had after-school career clubs run by mothers paid a
small stipend. The club leaders arranged for presenters to come to
the school and for field trips to work sites. They also did some of
the self-analysis activities recommended in the club guide, to help
children think about their individual talents and interests. Reading
their recap of activities may give you ideas! Be sure to involve
parents and other community members as presenters, since they then
become stakeholders willing to help out in other learning community
activities. |
| The Slauson Middle School Builders Club is another
example of a format for offering career exploration opportunities
to teens. In addition to their community service projects, some
Builders enjoyed being matched with Kiwanis career mentors for individualized
guidance. |
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For small-group explorations with teens, Reach Out!
coordinator Karyl Shand
developed a series of four workshops: |
| “What turns you on?” – exploring interests,
hidden talents, and how they relate to possible college
majors |
| “So who are you anyway?” – using the Keirsey Temperament
Sorter to unlock the mysteries of choosing friendships, classes,
activities, and career fields that teens will enjoy and naturally
excel in. |
| “Can learning in college really be fun?”
&8211; using a Birkman Method questionnaire to explore how your
extracurricular interests and preferred working style relate to an
enjoyable college major. |
| “Get the grades you want!” –
using a Learning Styles inventory to diagnose how individuals learn
best, and how they might capitalize on strengths and compensate
for weaknesses. |
