Hey everyone, it's Caroline, and this is an introduction to your career exploration
course. Ever since you could walk and talk, people have probably been asking you,
what do you want to be when you grow up? For some of you, you may have an answer in mind. Perhaps
you've always wanted to be a doctor ever since you were little. Some of you may be overwhelmed by the
sheer number of interests you have, and wonder how do I decide which career is right for me?
And some of you may have no idea what you want to do with your life and dread when the topic
of discussion comes up. Wherever you fall on this scale, this course has something for you.
In this video, we'll provide a brief overview of what to expect
out of this career exploration course, how it can help you as you prepare for your future,
and how to use the tools provided to make the most out of this course. Let's get started.
Each lesson of this course explores a different career in detail.
In the video that accompanies each lesson, you'll learn more about a
specific career option and hear from real life professionals in each field.
These videos will help you explore the daily responsibilities of various jobs,
as well as the paths taken to obtain them. So if you're interested in being an accountant, you can
learn how real accountants got into the field. The careers explored in this course range widely from
careers in health care, such as an ER doctor or nurse practitioner, to careers in entertainment,
such as a voice over artist and comedian. We'll explore careers that require a certain
level of education, such as being a teacher or a speech pathologist, along with careers that
require more technical certifications, such as being a truck driver or massage therapist.
Interested in something more hands-on? Learn about what it's like to be a farmer. Prefer a
career that allows you to work in your community? Look into the life of a pastor. Regardless of your
interests, and even if you don't know your interests, we have something for everyone.
You might be asking yourself, why do I need to decide what I want to do with my life right now?
I'm still young, and you would be 100% correct. Nobody can say for certain what they will become
as they get older. But this course allows you to get a better sense of your likes and dislikes,
along with developing a realistic understanding of different career fields.
According to a recent survey, only 20 percent of Americans are passionate about their jobs.
This could be because a lot of people don't know what a job really entails until they
try it out. For example, 81% of people in the legal industry report finding their job to be
boring, and overall 21% of people are eager to change their careers.
Getting into many career fields takes time, education, training, certifications, and money.
Imagine going to school for eight years to obtain your dream job as a veterinarian.
For years you picture yourself treating cute little puppies and kittens, and upon graduating
from vet school you get a job vaccinating cows on a farm that smells like manure.
Or maybe you've always dreamed of being a teacher. Oh, summers off, long breaks throughout the school
year, and playing with kids all day. Sounds like a breeze, until you become a teacher and realize
you despise grading worksheets, or that kids cry a lot and eat things they really shouldn't. Suddenly
you realize you'd much rather work with kids on a part-time basis than be around them all day every
day. But you've invested four years of college and taken multiple tests to become a certified
teacher. Now what? But don't despair. Throughout this course you'll get to know professionals who
took pivots in their careers until they found what was right for them. Plus this course allows
you to safely explore various career paths without any commitment. However, it's not
only important to learn more about career options, it's also important to learn more about yourself.
When choosing a career path, it's important to consider your personal goals, interests, strengths
and preferences. Do you like to work alone or in a collaborative setting? Do you prefer to work with
technology or to be more hands-on? What's your preferred style of communication? Are you more
of a leader or a supportive teammate? This course will allow you to reflect on these questions and
many more in order to build the self-awareness you need to help shape your career path.
As you work your way through this course, you'll have access to lesson videos
that contain interviews and information about each career that's covered. Even if you think a career
might not be for you, pay careful attention to the video. It may completely surprise you or alter
your perspective on that job. Additionally, you should also use the career exploration workbook
as you progress through the course. This workbook includes activities for you to help you identify
your strengths, interests, and future goals. It also provides you with the space to take
notes and reflect on the various careers that you learn about in this course. When working
through the workbook, remember that no dream is too big or silly. You just have to know the steps
you'll take to reach it. Allow yourself to be inspired by the people featured in these videos
and by your own reflections, as you look into your future and discover what you want it to look like.
I hope you love this journey of self-exploration
and keep an open mind as you explore the many opportunities that exist out there.
Some will interest you, inspire you, and maybe even surprise you. See you next time.