Foundations of Career Exploration

This unit introduces students to self-assessment, career cluster awareness, and essential job-search and workplace readiness skills. Students will explore different occupational pathways (including technical, healthcare, education, and self-employment), practice resume, networking, and interview strategies, and prepare a personal plan that sets the stage for deeper pathway study in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze personal interests, values, strengths, and work preferences using self-assessment tools to identify at least three compatible career clusters and justify choices in a written summary.
• Apply job-search and digital research techniques by producing a tailored resume, locating credible career resources online (including articles and videos), and drafting a networking outreach plan with at least five target contacts.
• Demonstrate workplace readiness by participating in a mock interview, outlining effective onboarding steps, and applying time-management and professional communication strategies in simulated workplace scenarios.
• Evaluate education and career pathway options (degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, trade routes, and self-employment) and develop a one-page action plan with measurable short-term and long-term milestones for a chosen pathway.