Pre-reading

For the last few years of your life, high school has made several demands on your time and energy. Now, the fact is that this stage of your life is drawing to a close and you are confronted with the age old question: What’s next for me? This unit invites you to figure out what it is you want to do next, consider how well prepared you are for the next stage of your life, and then begin to develop plans for making the transition into life after high school. During the next few weeks, you will be examining your options and then putting together a portfolio that will represent the work you have done to figure out what’s next for you.

1.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in which you provide answers to important questions regarding your application for a school or career opportunity 2.A personal statement for college 3.A cover letter & resume for the work world

Choose one of these two questions and write a 2-3 sentence response. 1) If you are going to college, why did you make this decision, and where will you go? What do you hope to get from your college experience? 2) If you are going into the work world or the military, why are you choosing that option? What do you want to achieve from working or entering the military? Once you have finished writing, reread what you have written, and begin to list reasons you are ready for the next stage of your life, or list questions regarding what you need to know about your plans. Write at least five reasons or questions. Be prepared to share with your table group.

 Next you are going to take an assessment to help you discover some interests you have. These interests may lead to a possible career choice.  Read each statement and if you agree fill in the circle.  When you are finished, add the circles and it will determine your “interest code”.

R = Realistic These people are often good at mechanical or athletic jobs. Good college majors for Realistic people are…  Agriculture  Health Assistant  Computers  Construction  Mechanic/Machinist  Engineering  Food and Hospitality Related Pathways Natural Resources Health Services Industrial and Engineering Technology Arts and Communication

S = Social These people like to work with other people, rather than things. Good college majors for Social people are…  Counseling  Nursing  Physical Therapy  Travel  Advertising  Public Relations  Education Related Pathways Health Services Public and Human Services

I = Investigative These people like to watch, learn, analyze and solve problems. Good college majors for Investigative people are…  Marine Biology  Engineering  Chemistry  Zoology  Medicine/Surgery  Consumer Economics  Psychology Related Pathways Health Services Business Public and Human Services Industrial and Engineering Technology

E = Enterprising These people like to work with others and enjoy persuading and performing. Good college majors for Enterprising people are:  Fashion Merchandising  Real Estate  Marketing/Sales  Law  Political Science  International Trade  Banking/Finance Related Pathways Business Public and Human Services Arts and Communication

A = Artistic These people like to work in unstructured situations where they can use their creativity. Good majors for Artistic people are…  Communications  Cosmetology  Fine and Performing Arts  Photography  Radio and TV  Interior Design  Architecture Related Pathways Public and Human Services Arts and Communication

C = Conventional These people are very detail oriented, organized and like to work with data. Good college majors for Conventional people are…  Accounting  Court Reporting  Insurance  Administration  Medical Records  Banking  Data Processing Related Pathways Health Services Business Industrial and Engineering Technology

 Around the room, you will see possible career pathways related to your interest codes. Walk around and review the information. Use the worksheet to record some information about these possible careers. Choose three career paths that interest you to investigate further.  Using a mobile device, do some research about your three possible careers, filling in the boxes that are not covered by the information around the room.  On the bottom of the sheet, write 2-3 sentences summing up what you learned from this activity.

On Wednesday we are going to the library (meet here first) to hear a presentation from Ms. Heindel about important dates and deadlines for seniors. Please write down at least one question to ask that is related to one of the following topics. Please make your questions broad so they apply to many people, not just you.  financial aid or scholarships  college visits or college choices  how & when to apply  choosing a major or minor  trade or vocational schools  letters of recommendation and transcripts  what do colleges look for/admission requirements

 Activity 1 & 2  RIASEC test  Gallery walk worksheet

If you have a resume or cover letter please bring in a printed copy on Thursday/Friday. We will be discussing resumes & cover letters on that day so please be prepared to make edits and updates at that time.