CAREER
exploration
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©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Introduction
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How many times have you been asked, “What do you
want to be when you grow up?” What has been your
response? If you’re like most teens, you may have
little idea of how to answer that question. Deciding
on a career path is a difficult process which takes a
lot of time and consideration. Chances are you will
make several career changes throughout your life.
This presentation will help you
learn more about the process
of career exploration.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Introduction
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The career exploration process
involves:
– self-assessment
– career research
– planning
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Self-Assessment
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The first step in career exploration is
to learn more about yourself.
This includes exploring your…
– Personality
– Interests
– Skills
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Personality
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Your personality is who you are and what
makes you different from others.
When it comes to career exploration it is
important to search for a career that works
well with your personality.
– For example, artistic people are more likely to be
successful and satisfied if they choose to work in an
artistic environment with other artistic people.
One of the steps in self-assessment is
learning more about your personality.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
6 Basic Areas of Interest
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Most people are
one of six types:
– Realistic
– Investigative
– Artistic
– Social
– Enterprising
– Conventional
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Interest Areas
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Realistic
– Skilled at working with tools, machines, electronics, or
plants and animals.
– Values things you can see, touch, and use.
– Sees self as practical, mechanical, and realistic.
Investigative
– Likes to solve problems.
– Generally avoids instructing or
persuading people.
– Is good at math and science problems.
– Sees self as scientific, and intellectual.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Interest Areas
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Artistic
– Likes to express themselves creatively through art.
– Generally avoids highly structured
or repetitive activities.
– Has good artistic abilities.
– Sees self as expressive, independent, and original.
Social
– Likes to help people.
– Is good at teaching, counseling, or nursing.
– Values helping people and solving social problems.
– Sees self as helpful, friendly, and loyal.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Interest Areas
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Enterprising
– Has leadership skills.
– Enjoys leading and persuading people.
– Values success in politics and leadership.
– Sees self as sociable and ambitious.
Conventional
– Likes to work with numbers or records.
– Avoids unstructured activities.
– Values success in business.
– Sees self as organized and dependable.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Interests
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Make a list of your interests:
– What do you like doing?
– What challenges you?
– What experiences have you had
in the past that you enjoyed?
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Skills
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What things are you good at?
This may include skills:
– you have had training for.
– you have from volunteering.
– you have from involvement in social activities.
Aptitude tests help identify skills.
– Aptitude = A natural or
acquired talent or ability.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Learning About Jobs
 Personal Contacts
– Talk with family and friends.
 Networking
– Talk to people already working in the field of interest.
 Job Shadow
 Research
– Go to libraries, career centers, and guidance offices.
 Mentoring
– Mentors share job knowledge and demonstrate work behaviors.
 Internet Networks & Resources
– Such as America’s Career InfoNet, America’s Job Bank & ISeek.org.
 National Career Information
– Such as OOH, OIQ, and the Military Career Guide.
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©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Career Clusters
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What is a career cluster?
– A career cluster is a group of occupations that have
certain things in common.
Six main career clusters:
– Arts & Communication
– Business & Management
– Health & Medical Services
– Human Services
– Engineering & Industrial Services
– National Resources
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Arts & Communications
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Product or Service:
– Art, Music, and Literature.
Sample Occupations:
– Actor
– Journalist
– Audio Technician
– Graphic Designer
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Business & Management
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Product or Service:
– Accounting and Management.
Sample Occupations:
– Administrator
– Financial Analyst
– Entrepreneur
– Accountant
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Health & Medical Services
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Product or Service:
– Medicine and Nutrition.
Sample Occupations:
– Pediatrician
– Medical Assistant
– Hospital Administrator
– Physical Therapist
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Human Services
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Product or Service:
– People and Education.
Sample Occupations:
– Social Worker
– Psychologist
– Teacher
– Child Care Worker
– Employment Specialist
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Engineering & Industrial Systems
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Product or Service:
– Manufactured Goods.
Sample Occupations:
– Chemical Engineer
– Biologist
– Mathematician
– Electrical Engineer
– Network Administrator
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Natural Resources
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Product or Service:
– Food and Agriculture.
Sample Occupations:
– Environmental Engineer
– Food Scientist
– Animal Scientist
– Biochemist
– Agriculture Teacher
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Career Info to Explore
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Educational Requirements
Earnings
Fringe Benefits
Nature of Work
Work Conditions
Job Outlook
Location
©2002 Learning Zone Express
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CAREER
exploration
You’re the Expert
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=
Your best friend Jon is beginning to
think about his future career plans.
He enjoys working with people, is
great at giving directions, and has
always done well in math.
Discuss how you would describe the career
exploration process to him. What career field
would you suggest he explore further and why?
x
©2002 Learning Zone Express
=
CAREER
exploration
Applying What You Know
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Pick one of the following assignments to be completed outside of class.
 Make a list of all of your interests and skills.
Then have a
friend or family member make a list of what they see as your skills
as well as a description of your personality. Compare the two lists
and write a one-page summary of the results. Include the career
cluster(s) you think best match your interests and skills.
 Interview three people in different careers.
Pick from three
different career clusters if possible. Write a 1-2 page paper
describing what new things you learned, what parts of the career
you think you might like and dislike, and whether or not you are
still interested in the career after speaking with the individual.
 Create a poster showing your skills, interests, and
personality type. Include pictures and descriptions of careers
you are interested in, as well as a brief description of each.
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Career Exploration Quiz
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Choose the best answer to the following questions:
1.
What is the first step in career exploration?
a. self-assessment
b. writing resumes
c. applying for a job
d. internships
2.
A __________ is a group of occupations that have
certain things in common.
a. Job Bank
b. Career Cluster
c. Mentoring
d. Occupation Cluster
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Career Exploration Quiz
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3.
Which career cluster focuses on art, music, and
literature?
a. Human Services
b. Business Management
c. Art and Communications
d. Natural Resources
4.
______is a great way to learn about jobs.
a. networking
b. job shadowing
c. searching the Internet
d. all of the above
©2002 Learning Zone Express
CAREER
exploration
Career Exploration Quiz
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5.
Which one of the following interest areas
demonstrates leadership skills, is good at
persuading people, and values politics?
a. Conventional
b. Realistic
c. Enterprising
d. Artistic
©2002 Learning Zone Express
 Here are some suggested sites you and your class may want to
investigate for more information on career exploration.
– http://www.myfuture.com/
• A web site geared for teens making career and education
decisions.
CAREER
exploration
Exploring the Web
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– http://www.militarycareers.com/
• Military Career Guide Online
– http://www.students.gov/index2.html
• Information for students on jobs and education options.
– http://www.afterschool.gov/tncareer.html
• Information and links to other career sites
– http://www.acinet.org/acinet/
• America’s Career InfoNet
– http://www.iseek.org

Teachers: Please note that web sites are constantly changing
and being updated. You may need to revise this list.
©2002 Learning Zone Express