“A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to judge a middle school competition for a
Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO),” writes Tina Leslie in an eSchool News column. Leslie is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for FlexPoint, with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and curriculum specialist.
The middle school career research event allowed students to explore careers of interest by completing a career interest survey, researching a field, and presenting details such as education requirements, job outlook, salary, and a typical workday.
Student ambition is inspiring, Leslie writes, and it raises important questions for educators:
- What are alternative careers in a student’s field of interest?
- Is this career path truly the right fit for the student?
- What problems are students interested in solving?
- What are the student’s strengths, and how do they translate into a career?
Here’s how Leslie suggests answering these questions:
1) In elementary school, highlight a variety of careers to younger students. Invite guest speakers from different professions to the classroom. Organize field trips to businesses or organizations so students see what a typical day looks like. Develop community engagement opportunities so students can meet professionals in different fields
2) In middle school, career exploration should become more structured. Take inventory assessments of career interests so careers match up with student strengths and interests. Research career clusters to understand how different careers connect and what pathways exist. Use short and long-term goals to explore high school and postsecondary options. Understand student learning styles, which may influence career choices. Kinesthetic learners might excel in hands-on professions like carpentry or welding.
Don’t discourage students. Broaden their perspective by giving them opportunities to gain real-world experience through volunteering, internships, and job shadowing. Encourage students to embrace flexibility. Most will shift career interests along the way. Make students aware of other opportunities.
3) By high school, students should have more clarity about their career path — but they should also keep their options open. Encourage high school students to select relevant courses, certifications, and electives; participate in clubs and extracurricular activities; pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs in their field of interest; and develop soft skills — communication, leadership, and critical thinking
Every student will have a career someday, but no two paths are the same, Leslie writes. By shifting the focus from “What do you want to be when you grow up?” to “What problems do you want to solve?” educators can help students connect their passions with meaningful career opportunities.
Guide, don’t dictate, she writes. Encourage exploration, provide real-world exposure, and help students remain flexible in their ambitions. Success isn’t just about titles or prestige, it’s about finding the right fit and a fulfilling path.
eSchool News
