What skills am I honing in class that might serve a purpose one day in the real world?
How does the marketplace value contribution by individuals?
Which parts of school transfer over to people's career journey?
Key Concepts: Transferable Skills, Applied Learning, Relevance, Industry, Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills, Value to Marketplace,
ATL Skills
15 minute session, fast-paced and interactive
In-person or by zoom
Presenter (5 min): A guest speaker will share what they do, how they got there, and why their work matters
Q&A (10 min): Ask the questions you actually care about—from daily routines to the "best and worst" parts of the job.
This is your time to explore different paths before the big event, helping you find a "why" behind your "what" in the classroom.
Be Curious: Think of a question you’ve always wondered about this career to ask.
Make Connections: Look for how their work links to your current subjects.
The Basics: "The Day-to-Day"
What is your official job title, and how would you describe what you do to a 5-year-old?
What does a typical Tuesday look like for you from the moment you start work until you finish?
Do you work in an office, from home, outdoors, or a mix?
What are the 3 most important tools or software programs you use every day?
The Journey: "How Did You Get There?"
When you were in 8th grade, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What subjects in school actually turned out to be useful for your job?
Did you have to go to college, a trade school, or did you learn on the job?
What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
3. Your "Why" Behind Your Career Choice
What is the most exciting or rewarding part of your work?
What is something about your job that is actually quite boring or difficult?
Without sharing specific numbers, does your career path allow for a good "work-life balance" (time for hobbies and family)?
If you could go back and change one thing about your career path, what would it be?
4. Skills & Advice: "Future-Proofing"
How much of your job involves working alone versus working in a team?
How do you handle it when you make a mistake or a project fails?
What "soft skills" (like leadership, communication, or patience) are most important in your field?
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were 14?