Planning Your Career

Careers and Jobs

Division IV: Gr. 10-12

Having an effective career plan is one of the important steps in building a successful future. Building a career to be able to get a job and secure an income is a priority for many, if not most, people. Employment enables one to “get money” so that, once one has money, there are financial decisions to make. It is also important for youth, if they can, to build a career that will enable them to find work in an area that is of interest to them and that they enjoy. Research has shown that one of the factors most associated with success in work or starting a business is passion – that is, people working at what they really enjoy. It is important to help youth know how to explore career options, understand changes that are occurring in the world of work that can impact jobs that will be available, prepare and follow a career plan, and hopefully find a career that is enjoyable and relates to their passion.

Please Note: Teaching Units provided are for support and consideration by teachers and are not prescriptive.

Learning Map and Supports for Instruction

The “Learning Map” identifies teaching opportunities in Alberta’s curriculum for each topic and you will find them as part of the Support Teaching Materials provided here. Teachers can, of course, integrate the target areas of financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours anywhere they can find a fit. The Supports for Instruction provide videos, animations, and links to other resources to support teachers in their efforts to improve the financial literacy of their students.

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Knowledge

What is involved in a career plan
Explore a variety of career options of personal interest and explore the current job market, potential income, required education and training, and cost related to careers of interest
Create a personal portfolio in which to keep information about careers of interest
Understand changes occurring in the workplace and job market that can impact the availability of jobs, the types of jobs available, and the skills sought by employers
Identify, or work to identify, an area of personal passion and explore careers that could be linked to the application of personal passion
Seek advice and guidance from others who can help them explore and develop a career path and plan
Explore variations in culture and styles of work in different industries and workplaces (e.g., opportunity to work remotely, opportunity to work as a member of a team, opportunity to learn and progress, etc.)
Decide what is important to them re the kind of workplace they would hope to work in

Skills

Develop a career plan
How to explore career options
Create a portfolio of career information on careers of interest
Compare career options to be able to focus on one or two careers of particular interest
Choose education and training that can lead to careers of interest
Research to have realistic expectations in terms of potential compensation and job opportunity in their chosen career areas

Attitudes/Behaviours

Find one or more areas of passion and where their personal interest is high
Actively plan their career path and career development
Make appropriate education and training choices
Maintain a watchful eye on the changes occurring in the workplace and job market
As possible, gain experience (e.g., volunteer) to be able to assess careers of interest to verify interest and to use a resume
Seek help and advice from others who can help with exploring career options