Explore More

Instructor directions are listed below:

1. Explain to students that just like their strengths, interests, and values may change over time, they may change their mind about what they want to do for a career.
2. Remind students that aligning a career to their strengths, interests, and values is going to make them happier and keep them engaged in that career.

If you have additional time, instructor directions for an optional extension activity are listed below:

1. Explain to students that the O*Net is a government database of jobs that updates its information regularly to reflect changes in the workforce. It currently has information on almost 1,000 different careers.
2. Ask students to start with their top 3 career choices, either from the career ring, or just something that they are interested in as a potential future career.
3. Have them look up those careers on the O*Net using the search tool. They can use the search code if using a career from the ring or else type in the job title.
4. Have students look through the description and information for their careers, paying particular attention to the sections on Interests, Work Styles (Strengths), and Work Values.
5. Ask students to reflect if they still feel these are good potential future careers for them or if learning more changed their decision.
6. Explain to students that they can also search for careers that might be good for them by using the Advanced Search function and clicking on Interests, Work Styles, or Work Interests. This will help them find specific careers that align with their SIVs.
7. Have a class discussion on what was significant for students in exploring the O*NET and how can it help them in deciding what courses to take in high school or beyond.

If you have additional time, consider having your students use the My Next Move tool on the O*Net and completing the O*Net Interest Profiler. This assessment will help students identify their interests according to the RIASEC (mentioned in the "Identify your Interests" component of the "Unique Talents" activity) and then link that Interest profile to potential future careers.