Module 6 Career Under Construction: Investing In You

This lesson plan can be used as a companion to Module 6 of Money and Youth – Career Under Construction – Investing in You.

Relevant Subjects and Topics:

Careers, Business Studies, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Family Studies

Background Information:

Adolescent years can be very challenging indeed. There is so much going on in the life of a teenager that it can become quite daunting. There are increased responsibilities and expectations as students grow into young adults among which is the ability to handle money and show financial prowess. At the same time, they struggle with self-identity and peer group relationships as well as a need to consider their future goals and working careers. In all, it is a very thought-provoking and interesting time for these young people. “Which way do I go?” is a question that frequently arises for them often involving such areas as peer group pressure, schooling or future careers. This lesson will help focus the students’ attention on what future occupations might best fit them and provide the students with some practical skills in the areas of finding a job, resume-writing and preparing for job interviews.

Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain various tips that are useful in selecting a career, finding a job, writing a resume and taking a job interview.

Time for Implementation:

Two class periods of approximately 60 minutes each.

Teaching and Learning Strategies:

Period One: 60 minutes

• Begin the lesson by asking the students, through a show of hands, to indicate if they have taken some time to consider possible career choices.
• Ask those who responded positively to explain whether or not they found it a challenging experience and have them explain their answer.
• Once this has been done, indicate to them that there are some helpful hints available to them in the areas of choosing a career, finding a job, resume writing and preparing for job interviews.
• Inform them that they are going to be assigned some reading (Pages 68-75 of Module 6 of Money and Youth) and then play a game called Boost Ball in order to review the material.
• Divide the class into four groups and ask them to read and prepare the material for the game.
• Tell them that they will have to have all materials closed during the game so they should, as a group, make certain that they understand and remember the material.
• Allow the groups time to read and prepare the material.
• Once they have done this, review the rules of Boost Ball with them – found under Handouts/Resources below.
• Once they are clear on how the game is played, have them close all reference materials and begin the game.
• The game will be comprised of four innings – each group having a start at leading off.
• Once the four innings have been played the game is over and the group with the most points will be declared the winner.
• These are the four questions that will be asked by the teacher – one for each inning:
  1. What are the things that you should consider when considering and picking a career?
  2. What tips can you provide on finding a job?
  3. What are some helpful hints on preparing a resume?
  4. What tips and information can you provide on job interviewing?
• Begin the game by asking the first question and proceed as far as the remaining time will allow.

Period Two: 60 minutes

• Begin the period by completing the game started in the previous period.
• Once the game has been concluded and a winner declared, hold a plenary session and address any questions or comments that may arise based on the material of the lesson.

Handouts/Resources:

• The Rules of “Boost Ball”

Evaluation:

• The group scores could be used as a form of evaluation.

Modifications or Suggestions for Different Learners:

• As different skills are utilized and various roles are played – e.g. reading, recording, discussing, presenting – there is an opportunity for different strengths to be utilized.

Additional Related Links:

• 10 Job-Search Skills You Need to Master - https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2014/04/29/10-job-search-skills-todays-college-students-need-to-master/#3652bfd04d79
• Writing an Effective Resume - http://career.ucsd.edu/undergraduates/prepar-resume-covlet/writing-effective-resume.html

Additional Possible Activities:

• The students could prepare and share resumes for constructive review.
• The students could hold mock interviews and debrief the performances.

Why is this important?

The importance of this topic is obvious. As adolescents pass through their teen years, they are faced with decisions about the life ahead of them. Today, things are extremely fluid compared to years gone by. As we entered the 21^st century, the working world, indeed the world as we knew it, was changing dramatically. No longer did we finish school, get a job, work for the company for the whole of our careers and then retire on a company pension. Rather, multiple careers – often involving jobs that were not even real at the turn of the century – have become commonplace and, in many cases, there is no longer a company pension awaiting the retiree. Instead, today’s youth will have to manage their own careers and pension schemes and contend with a global community that will continually impact their working lives. As parents and guardians, we have both the privilege and responsibility of mentoring and assisting our children as they begin the initial steps in their career.

Ways to engage your child and fun things to do.

There are a number of things that adolescents will have to do in order to successfully embark on a career. These include such things as choosing a career, resume writing, finding a job and attending an interview to name but a few. Below are some suggested activities that will help them with these tasks.

1. Begin a discussion with your daughter or son by asking them if they have given any thought to the type of lifestyle they would like to live as an adult. With their explanation as background, ask them what type of career they are considering and how it meshes with the type of lifestyle they identified. This can be followed up by looking at various careers with them and perhaps doing an interest inventory. (See websites below). (Module 7 deals with being an entrepreneur if that is of interest.)
2. As a follow-up to the activity in 1, you might make a list together (or review the list in Money and Youth – Module 6) of sources of information regarding a specific career choice.
3. Review with them the components of a good resume, ensuring that it follows the latest structure and style.
4. If your son or daughter is applying for a job, full or part-time, conduct a mock interview with them. For comic relief, you might watch this video together - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo0KjdDJr1c
5. Review with your son or daughter the information – Some Tips on Finding a Job in Module 6 of Money and Youth.

Additional Background and Related Websites and Resources

• Interest Inventory - http://careerwise.minnstate.edu/careers/clusterSurvey
• Writing a Resume - http://time.com/money/5053350/resume-tips-free-template/
• The Spirit of Adventure - http://cfeespiritofadventure.com/entrepreneurs
• Finding a Job After Graduation - https://www.thebalancecareers.com/college-tips-to-get-job-after-graduation-4140204