What do you want to be when you grow up? That is the question that I ask all of my eighth-grade students when we start the Career Exploration Unit every trimester. Most students do not have an answer to this question and I am glad that they don’t know. I think it’s good for them to keep their options and their minds open to the many careers that are out there for them to choose.
When we begin this career development process, the students take the Self-Directed Search Career Assessment and a Values Survey to learn more about what careers best match their likes and interests. They sift through a list of careers using the results of these surveys and choose one particular career that they would like to learn more about. Once they pick a career, the students are then required to interview someone in the field they have chosen. This assignment is a challenge for some, but it is a great way to truly learn more about that career.
What better way to learn about what it’s like to be a lawyer than to talk to one? I think it’s a great way for our students to learn and explore on a deeper level than it would be if they just did an internet search for information on that career. The interview process not only helps the students build their knowledge about their chosen career, but it helps them develop stronger communication skills as well. Once the students have conducted their interviews, they then give a final presentation that educates the class on their chosen career. I want the students to educate their classmates about their career, and in the process, it is my hope that they inspire each other to consider those careers as well.
I know that choosing a career in eighth grade is not realistic. In fact, there are many college students who do not know what they want to be when they grow up. Yet, it is important for our students to at least think about what they are good at, what they enjoy doing and what careers might best fit with their likes and interests. This career unit helps students explore who they are and what strengths they already possess. Going through this process will at least help them realize what career categories they might want to consider down the road. Getting them to think about the direction of their future will help them to begin to create goals for themselves and guide them when deciding what classes to take in the Upper School so that they are one step ahead in realizing their dreams.
