What do you want to do when you grow up?

Overview

In 2019, the average length of time for a Canadian to hold the same job was 101 months (about 8 years, 5 months).  As a result, over a 35-year career someone could be expected to hold more than 4 different jobs.  This activity provides an opportunity to explore career options that may (one day) appeal to students.

NB Curricular Outcomes

Personal Wellness

Strand: Career Connected Learning – Big Idea: Thinking about potential career pathways

What you’ll Need

• Chart paper or white board
• Internet access
• What do you want to DO when you grow up? handout

Instructions

Step 1– Set the stage

Ask students the following:

1. Based on discussions with family, friends, and/or peers, do you have an idea of what you might like to do for a career?
2. Why do you believe this is a career path that is right for you?
3. If you are unsure (or have no idea), what types of careers, or career sectors, would you consider?

Step 2 – Exploring Careers

Use job banks to take quizzes and explore a variety of careers.

Example include:

• https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/career-planning/quizzes#careerQuiz
• Career Resources | Let’s Talk Science (letstalkscience.ca)
• Home | NBjobs.ca
• https://careersinenergy.ca/plan-your-future/
• Green Jobs – Project Learning Tree Canada (pltcanada.org)
• That’s a Real Job (thatsarealjob.ca)

Step 3 – Job Prospects

Use Home | NBjobs.ca to identify the job prospects for some of the careers that were identified in the quizzes.

Step 4 – Reflection

1. Of the 3 companies you researched in STEP 3, which one do you think would be the best company for you to work for? Explain why you think this. (Give 2+ reasons.)
2. Does there seem to be a relationship between the level of training someone needs and the salary level they will receive in the job? Explain.
3. Was there anything “new” that you learned during this assignment?
4. Has the completion of STEPS 2 and/or 3 caused you to reconsider or make changes to your answer in STEP 1? Explain why or why not.

Extension Ideas

This activity can be extended to Personal Wellness 9.

Reflection Activity

Please see attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect upon this activity.