Age: 14
Goes to: Sykesville MS, Carroll County, MD
Likes: Going out with friends, running, playing with her dog
Favorite class: Social Studies

Last week was career week at Candice's school. Her friends were talking about the kinds of jobs they want to have. This made her nervous. 

Candice doesn't know what she wants to do after high school, maybe own a business. She knows she likes working with people and being active and that she doesn't want to sit at a desk all day. But she doesn't know what kinds of jobs are right for her...

HELP CANDICE PICK A CAREER !

Below, follow Candice through a week in 8th grade as she tries to learn more about careers she might like and how to prepare for them.  She'll be getting help from different people along the way who will guide her to resources (websites) that can help her.  Follow their advice and answer the questions below in order.

LET'S GET STARTED!

After school on Monday afternoon, Candice is talking to her Social Studies teacher, Mr. Bortz, about how nervous she is that she won't find a career that interests her.

Mr. Bortz: Candice, thanks for helping out with the career day last week.  Did you find out anything interesting about the careers that were presented?

Candice: There was a lot of good information and fun activities to do at the career day but I'm still confused about what careers might be for me. How did you decide on a career?

Mr. Bortz: I know how you feel.  First, I picked a career that I was interested in, that I really liked.  Then I talked to my parents, guidance counselor and advisor to find out what courses to take.  Let's think, Candice.  What are some things you like to do now?

Candice: I don't know. I like a lot of things!  I like being outside and hanging out with my friends. I like animals but I know I don't want to be a vet.  Maybe I want to own my own business like one of the career day presenters!  I just know I can't picture myself sitting behind a desk every day for the rest of my life, doing the same thing every day!

Mr. Bortz: Well, there are plenty of jobs that don't involve being in an office and sitting at a desk all day.  Look at me! (See Mr. Bortz career profile) I'm on my feet walking around, talking to people, creating assignments and activities - every day is different.  [He thinks for a moment.]  Maybe I should have you talk to my friend, Melissa.  She manages the Hashawha Environmental Center - it's a very active job, she gets to work with all kinds of animals, and she gets to meet lots of people.

Candice: That sounds neat.

Mr. Bortz: I've also noticed how responsible and organized you are.  Maybe you should investigate how to start your own business!  My neighbor, Mary, owns a pre-school and my friend Ron owns a beauty salon on Route 32.  They are all coming by the school in about an hour to help plan our next career day.  Stick around and you can meet them!

Candice: Great! Thanks!


Candice got to talk to Mr. Bortz's neighbor, Mary.  You can read about her here. (The link will open in a new window). 

Then come back here and answer this question:

Candice got to talk to Mr. Bortz's friend, Melissa.  You can read about her here. (The link will open in a new window). 

Then come back here and answer this question:

Candice also met Mr. Bortz's friend, Ron, the beauty salon owner.  You can read about him here. (The link will open in a new window).

Then come back here and answer this question:

The next day, Candice calls her older sister, Kelly for some more advice.  She tells her that she met three of her teacher's friends and that while their jobs were interesting, she didn't know if they were for her. 

Kelly: Well that's ok, you don't have to have everything figured out already!

Candice: I mean, I like the idea of owning my own business... but what kind of business do I want?  What can I do now?  I want to make sure that I have options when I am ready to choose a career.

Kelly: Why don't you find out what you're interested in by taking an interest inventory?  I took mine in eighth grade and one in high school.  They helped me learn about myself and even helped me be able to talk to my advisor about my career pathway.  I saw this website the other day... I'll email you the link right now.  Check it out!

Candice: That's a great idea!  Thanks, Kelly. Bye! [She hangs up the phone and goes to check her e-mail to find the interest inventory]

Here's the link Kelly sent to Candice: Take the Holland interest inventory and answer the following question:

Candice started to feel better about not having her future career all mapped out but still wanted to do a little research. 

She went to another career fair at her cousin's high school.  She saw a booth with a big banner that read Career and Technology Education (CTE) in CARROLL COUNTY.  She was curious as to what it was so she stopped by and picked up some brochures. 

There was also a booklet called, Pathways to Careers that explained all about the CTE completer programs offered in Carroll County.

Candice found a brochure but you can read what it said here.  (The link will open in a new window).  Then come back here and answer this question:

Candice found a brochure but you can read what it said here [link].  (The link will open in a new window).  Then come back here and answer this question:

Candice was feeling great after the career fair and decided she is going to check out CTE with her guidance counselor when she goes back to school on Monday.  She thinks she knows what she's going to study but she wants YOUR opinion.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Candice doesn't know exactly what she wants to do for a career but she's getting closer.  She's learned that her interests can point her in a general direction - toward owning her own business - even if she doesn't know exactly what kind of business she'll own yet.

Now that you've helped Candice learn about the different paths she can take to prepare for her future ... let's see how you've helped yourself in the process.