Why is career awareness and exploration important?

When young students think of their own future, their imaginations do not necessarily serve them well. They most likely reference what they know of the ‘grown up world’ from what is around them at home, in their communities, or what they see in the media. 

For many students, career awareness is not just showing them jobs that are related to ones they have thought about. It is about expanding their realm of possibility for their entire future. We all know career awareness is not a new concept. You can probably recall countless movies and TV scenes that showcase parent career days. While this is still a great practice, students may only be learning about careers within their specific community. This is why career fairs, focused career weeks, in-school mentorship, internships are great for allowing students to broaden their scope of knowledge of the various career paths, many of which are not linear!

If students spend time in self-discovery—developing self-awareness around their interests, values, passions, skills and purpose, the school subjects they enjoy, and the skills they would like to continue using in their future helps them to develop greater self confidence in their decision-making skills, career awareness, exploration and experiences.

Educators can help through engaging in activities throughout the school year, but in particular during Career & Workforce Development Month in November of each year.

Educators do not need the answers to all questions. Educators can encourage reflection and growth in students. When given permission to dream and decide youth can do incredible things. We are preparing these youngsters for an unknown and ever-evolving future. No one has the answers; we want adaptable and adept future adults.

Career Development has always been a powerful lever for building future success, but in today's emerging reality, it is truly a SUPERPOWER and a mental health practice

Early Years Career Exploration Activities:

  • Draw a map of business in the surrounding community and have students brainstorm jobs in each business.
  • Bag of Careers:  fill a bag with tools and/or clothing worn or used "on the job" then have students guess the occupational area.
  • Ask students to reflect on what they enjoy and what they are good at. Then connect that to different types of jobs. Option is to assign a collaborative 'poster project' in which students create colorful posters to depict different careers.
  • Bring parents/caregivers, and community members to share what their roles are, what they do each day, what skills they need to develop to be successful, and how they contribute to their organizations. (Ensure diversity and an equitable gender spread so every student can see themselves in at least one career).
  • Have students take note of different careers while on field trips to places like the museum, zoo, art gallery, farms, or theatre presentation. Ask the hosts to share a little about their role as part of the presentations.

Middle Years Career Exploration Activities

Middle years is an exciting time for developing career awareness and exploration. Middle school students are at an age when they are receptive to connecting what they are learning to occupations and start to understand the connection between societal needs, values, salaries, the kind of lifestyle they want and career opportunities. This is also a time when they will start to choose their secondary school options, some of which may require certain subjects in post-secondary study.

Have students interview a family member, neighbour or someone from their community. Students should ask questions such as:

  • What is a typical day or week like in your job?
  • What skills do you need to do your job?
  • How do you contribute to the success of the company you work for?
  • What are the education and training requirements for someone today? 
  • Did you need any "on the job" training?
  • How or why did you choose your career?

Have the students share with the class what they have learned.

Senior Years Career Exploration

Career exploration doesn't end at the start of high school; in fact, it continues for many more years. These are the years when the students really try to figure out what they will do beyond secondary school. Educators can help them by asking good questions. 

  • What are some of the problems different workplaces may be attempting to solve? Do those interest you?
  • What is a "career journey"? Do you see it as a single pathway or intertwined multiple pathways?
  • What experiences can help students make decision about potential career paths while still in school?
  • Does learning stop right after you are done with school or training?
  • Why might someone want to keep learning as an adult who is working in a job?
  • What do you think is most difficult about decision the education or training after high school?
  • What are the learning and training opportunities available to you after high school? How are they the same? How are they different?
  • Why might you want to take one learning pathway right after high school and one later in life?
  • What are some reasons people do not go to college or university?