If you've walked into a middle school before you have probably heard students ask, "Why do I need to know this? When am I ever going to use this in real life?" (I would always wonder this when I was in school too, but I just was too shy to ask my teachers). I believe that early career exploration is a way to answer that question in a relevant way that engages students and motivates them to learn concepts in their Math, Reading, Social Studies, and Science classes. Students will know which careers will use those skills that they're currently learning and why they matter. I also think it is a way for students to learn more about their personalities and learning styles. For example, a student might be taking the career inventory survey and realize that the way they take care of their younger sibling could actually translate into a career in education. Or maybe they realize their excitement for that field trip to the zoo could lead to them having a career working with animals.

I think there is something to be said about having a career that aligns with your passions and makes you feel excited. Of course this is something that I hope for all of my students. However, the reality is that there may be times in life, when people have to get a job that they are not as passionate about because they need to pay the bills. I want to teach students to dream big AND to be proud of wherever they are in life, whether that is having their desired career or being in another job while they figure some things out. Career exploration can be a way for them to learn about their dream jobs and for them to learn about jobs that they have the skills for and could do along the way.

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