Life Is an Adventure
The career exploration experience may trigger something dynamic for your student. It did in my class. A metamorphosis occurred as the students began to chart a career path with manageable steps to get there. Encourage your high schoolers to consider carefully how they manage their time, what kind of classes they select, and what kind of part-time jobs they have had. Each decision in life can open doors that will lead them on the path to their goals and dreams. Life is an exciting adventure for teenagers. I was so fortunate to be a part of the process of seeing them grow up. I hope you too will enjoy guiding your students to investigate their personalities, match them with potential careers, research occupations to find a good fit, and then execute a plan to reach their goals.
Resources for Career Exploration
Books
• YES! Youth Exploration Survey
Crown Ministries
1-800-722-1976
www.crown.org/yesresources
• Do What You Are by Paul Tieger
• What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles
• High School: A Home Designed Form + U + La by Barbara Shelton
Websites
• www.humanmetrics.com —Personality tests
• www.careerkey.org —Personality test related to occupations
• www.career.missouri.edu —A career interests game
• www.stats.bls.gov/oco —Occupational Outlook Handbook online
• www.collegeboard.com/plan —College preparation information
Carol Topp has had several careers, including wife, mother, industrial engineer, and accountant. She is now enjoying a season of homeschooling her two daughters and running a home-based accounting practice. She teaches career exploration and personal finance classes at her homeschool co-op in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her website is www.HomeschoolCPA.com.
Copyright 2006. Originally appeared in Spring 2006. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
