• Introduction

    You're young.  You're healthy.  You're reasonably bright.  Let's face it, you're even kinda cute.

     So, why worry about the future now?  The future is a long time away, right?  Your parents or guardians have everything covered, and there is absolutely no reason for you to spend time trying to answer that age old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  You don't even need to start thinking about that stuff for another 4 or 5 years, right?

     Wrong.

     Middle School is the perfect time for you to begin thinking about where you're headed, even though it seems far, far away.  Relax, it's not as hard as you think.  Actually, it's a pretty interesting process because it's all about Y.O.U.

    So, what will it be?  How do you see yourself?

    An actress?  A professional athlete?  A police officer?  Construction worker?  Sales rep?  Customer service professional?

    The purpose of this WebQuest is to help you explore some ideas and to plant some seeds in that fertile brain of yours.  First, let's learn a little bit about Y.O.U. - your skills, dreams, and interests - and then we'll see how that might help you find the perfect job in the real world.  After all, if you don't know where you're going, how are you going to know when you get there? 

        

    Task

     First, let's focus on Y.O.U.  Finally, you get to study a subject that you love and already know a lot about!  We'll go through an online exercise to help you figure out how your interests and natural abilities might help you select a career later on. 

    Next, we'll look at a wide range of job possibilities that match your type of personality.  Does this mean that these are the only jobs you'll be happy in someday?  Absolutely not!  But it will give you an idea of what's out there for you.

    At the end of your exploration, you will be graded on your graphic organizer, your essay in which you evaluate some careers that may (or may not) be right for you, and your class presentation. 

    So... let's get started!                                     

    STEP ONE

    Your first task is to explore your interests, dreams, and talents. 
    Follow     these instructions:

    •  This is the part where we determine how your personal interests might lead you to a career down the road.  It's really important that you read the directions on each page carefully and follow the instructions.
    • Click on the Interest Profile Link and answer questions on the next five screens as accurately as possible.  It's important not to overthink your answers too much, and answer questions about yourself as you ARE, not as you WISH you were. 

    • When you've answered these questions, you'll be given a 'score' that measures how similar you are to six different types of personalities:

      *** Realistic*** Investigative***Artistic ***Social***Enterprising***Conventional***

      When completed, copy your scores in the Graphic Organizer Handout

     Now go to the Student Budget Game and play a couple of rounds to get an estimation of your monthly and yearly living expenses.  Copy the amount to the Graphic Organizer Handout

    If you have extra time, explore the websites listed below.

    O-Net Online

    		    Career Clusters
    Career OneStop    USA.gov
    KidsGov.org    
         

    STEP TWO

    Now you are going to enter your personality scores  into the Interest Profiler. 

    • Click "Next" and read thru the different Job Zones. 
    • Click "Next" and choose a Job Zone.
    • Click "Next" to take you to the "Careers that fit your interests and preparation level" page.  Here you see all the work groups associated with your top three personality traits.  Spend some time reading these over; try to imagine yourself doing some of these jobs.  Are there any you've never considered before?
    • If you like, click the back button and change the Job Zone, Click "Next" to see different Jobs that match your personality type. 
    • Click on the the links to explore the many careers listed. 
    • Click on the My Next Move link to explore careers and industries.
    • While exploring the site, think of  important Career questions:  Employment outlook, wages, requirements? 
    • Choose three different careers that you would like.  They do not have to be listed on the Interest Profile, but you will need to find detailed information on each career.  Research and enter the career information asked for into your Graphic Organizer.  Websites that offer more information on your chosen career can be found here:

    O-Net Online

    		    Career Clusters  
    Career OneStop    USA.gov  
    KidsGov.org      
           

    STEP THREE

    Use the information listed in your graphic organizer to help you compare and contrast the careers you've explored.  Write a brief essay, responding to the following prompt.   

    There are many factors that should be considered as you think about a career.  Let's face it - chances that many of us will end up touring the world promoting our latest cd or playing in the NBA are slim.  Write an essay evaluating one of the three careers you explored in this WebQuest, indicating why you think it is (or isn't) a realistic possiblity for your future.

    FINAL ACTIVITY

    Create a brochure or powerpoint describing one of the careers you researched,  including the information you wrote down on the Graphic Organizer.  Create the project like you are trying to entice the audience to pursue this career.  Last, but not least....you will present your career to the class. 

    Have Fun!

    WebQuest created by Jen Presley, Northwest Middle School