In today’s competitive world, it’s essential to start early when preparing students for their future careers. Middle schoolers may not know exactly what they want to be when they grow up, but engaging them in career-focused activities can open doors and encourage them to explore their interests. Here are 20 career activities that middle school students can participate in to learn more about themselves and the job market.
1. Career Interest Inventories: These surveys help students identify their interests and match them with potential careers.
2. Job Shadowing: Through job shadowing experiences, middle schoolers can observe professionals at work and gain firsthand knowledge of various occupations.
3. Career Day: Organize a career day at school, featuring guest speakers from various fields who can discuss their jobs and offer advice.
4. Field Trips: Arrange field trips to local businesses or organizations to give students a closer look at various industries.
5. Vision Board Activity: Have students create vision boards with images, words, or phrases representing their desired careers or career goals.
6. Resume Writing Workshop: Teach essential resume-writing skills that students will need in the future.
7. Mock Interviews: Conduct realistic mock interviews so students can practice and improve their interviewing skills.
8. Entrepreneurship Projects: Encourage middle schoolers to develop their entrepreneurial spirit by creating small businesses or participating in entrepreneurship competitions.
9. Volunteer Work: Organizing volunteer opportunities allows students to gain valuable experience while giving back to the community.
10. Career Research Projects: Assign research projects that encourage students to explore different careers and gather information on education requirements, job outlooks, and salary expectations.
11. Internships: Middle schoolers may be eligible for internships in certain industries or with local organizations, providing valuable work experience.
12. Networking Events: Host networking events where students can meet professionals from various fields and create connections that could benefit them in the future.
13. Career Aptitude Tests: Utilize career aptitude tests to recommend specific jobs or industries that align well with each student’s skills and interests.
14. Extracurricular Activities: Encourage middle schoolers to participate in clubs or organizations that relate to their career interests.
15. Goal-setting Activities: Discuss the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and help students create a plan of action for their future.
16. Team-building Exercises: Develop their communication and cooperation skills through fun teamwork activities.
17. STEAM Programs: Support and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs to provide hands-on learning experiences related to potential careers.
18. Classroom Guest Speakers: Invite professionals from various fields to speak about their careers and share personal success stories.
19. Speed Networking Events: Organize events where students can interact with professionals from multiple industries in quick succession, gathering information on a wide range of career options.
20. College Preparation Workshops: Educate students about the college application process and offer guidance on choosing future courses or majors aligned with their career goals.
By engaging middle school students in these 20 career activities, educators can help them build crucial skills and discover where their passions lie, setting the stage for a successful future.
