Learning is holistic, reflective, experiential and relational.
~ First Peoples Principles of Learning
Big Idea #3: Career Exploration and Pathway
We are constantly evolving. Our interests, our passions, and our dreams change as we grow as individuals. And our world is changing, too. There are jobs now that didn’t exist two months ago, let alone two years ago. As you prepare to leave high school, our hope is that you leave with a sense of what jobs and possibilities exist for you, and even more importantly, which ones excite and inspire you. The average worker will hold 10 different jobs before they are forty, so it is critical that you have the opportunity to engage in the cyclical process of getting to know yourself, exploring possibilities, making a choice, making it happen, and reflecting on what you have learned. Your teachers, parents, mentors, peers, and personal support network will be an integral part of your career exploration. This part of the Capstone involves the ongoing exploration of career possibilities and demonstrating thoughtful consideration of possible career pathways. We can’t wait to hear what you discover about yourself along the way.
The goal of the career pathway is to demonstrate that you have explored multiple experiences and possibilities and have emerged with a sustainable and logical plan.
Your Career Exploration and Pathway will be a celebration of all you have done and experienced throughout high school. As you embark on this adventure, head out into the world and try a variety of things! You can explore by going on job shadows, attending career-related events, engaging in career research, participating in project placements, and taking up volunteer opportunities. Some of the things you are already doing, like your current job (if you have one), or your extra-curricular activities, may provide you with amazing insight into the skills you want to develop and the pathways you wish to explore more deeply. You can begin your post-secondary journey while still in high school through academic and trades dual credit opportunities. The career conversations you have along the way with your mentors, your teachers, the career centre at your school, your employer(s), your family, and your personal network will help you better understand and explore the options available to you! As you explore all of the exciting possibilities, documentation of, and reflection on, your learning and personal growth will be an essential part of getting ready for sharing your experiences in your Capstone.
As the future of jobs in our world is changing, so is our process. Traditionally, in Grade 12 exit interviews students have shared a highly specific and detailed career plan (Plan A). The Capstone is taking a different approach. You will be showcasing that you know who you are, what skills have you acquired, and what exploration have you done to prepare for the transition from high school. As part of the Capstone process, you will share one or more of your possible career pathways. A pathway can be specific to one career, can explore a focus area, or a general direction. We know some of you will be entering the workforce directly after high school, so part of the pathway process for you might be sharing what you’ve already done, and how your skills, responsibilities, financial outlook, and training looks going forward. Choosing how to represent your pathway will be an ongoing conversation with your teacher, who will support you in finding the option that is right for you. Regardless of which pathway option you choose, during your presentation and professional conversation you will present a well-researched, sustainable, and logical potential plan for your future (including a realistic budget for your first year after high school).
WorkBC Parents Guide: What makes a good career exploration and pathway?
A quality career exploration & pathway must:
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Demonstrate multiple explorations within one focus area or multiple focus areas.
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Demonstrate deep reflection on each of the explorations.
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Tie your experiences to your skills.
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Connect your career possibilities with who you are as a person and your interests (working outdoors/indoors, shift work, moving cities, etc).
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Conduct research on the application process, and program options of potential interest.
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Provide a realistic budget for your first year after school.
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Demonstrate a well-researched, sustainable, and logical plan for your future as you transition from high school.
Success Criteria:
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I can talk about my explorations and all of my experiences.
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I can explain how my explorations and experiences ties into my interests and who I am.
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I can explain how each experience ties into my skills and my overall career exploration and pathway.
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I can provide powerful documentation of my reflection on my explorations and each of my experiences.
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I can provide relevant and accurate evidence of research of one or more programs/focus areas.
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My career pathway is comprehensive and demonstrates my career research skills.
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My career pathway demonstrates the skills and knowledge of the application and entrance requirements for a specific or general program (if applicable).
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My career pathway includes a comprehensive and realistic budget.
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My career pathway presentation connects to my learning story and skills showcase.
How do I share my career exploration and pathway?
Firstly, in your Career Education class you will share your career exploration and pathway on your eportfolio or an in-class presentation. As part of this course, you will have opportunities to:
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Demonstrate your career exploration in written, audio, visual, or video format (your passport can be used as part of your documentation).
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Demonstrate your career pathway in written, audio, visual, and/or video format.
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Evaluate and include relevant documents/images/videos to support your career pathway.
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Receive informal and formal feedback from your peers and teachers.
Finally, you will demonstrate your career exploration and pathway as part of your Presentation and Professional Conversation during the Capstone Presentation in Grade 12.
How will my career exploration and pathway be assessed? Learning Maps
Learning maps are used to guide the process of learning; rubrics are for products. You can be at different levels of achievement within each box of the learning map, and you will move towards mastery as you progress with your learning. You will have opportunities to interact with the learning map regularly, to set goals, document your learning, and check in with your mentor/teacher to assess their progress.