Introduction

It is never too early for students to start thinking about what career field they want to go into.  In fact, middle school students need to keep their career goals in mind when choosing high school courses.  This webquest will help middle school students identify their interests, explore different careers and start a career portfolio.
 
 
 
 
 
 

In this webquest you will:

• identify your interests 
• investigate five careers that match your interests
• develop a fictitious resume for one career
• write a professional coverlet 
• participate in a mock job interview

1.  Use of  a computer with internet access.
2.  Use of a video recorder or tape recorder.
3.  A two pocket folder
4.  Paper
5.  Writing utensil

Once you have your materials, you may begin:

1.  Take an interest inventory using one the following links:
 Bridges or Career Futures
(Remember to pay careful attention to each question and think about each response).  Your instructor will provide you with a password for Bridges if you are using that particular inventory.

2.  When you are finished with your interest inventory, take time to look over your results.  Are you surprised with the results?  Do you think they are accurate? 

3.  Print your interest inventory results and keep them for your portfolio.

4.  Identify five careers that match your interest.  Most interest inventories will list some for you on the printed report.

5.  Using suggested sites and other resources found in the guidance office or library, research the five careers.  What type of information would you need to know if you were thinking about going into this career?  Answer these questions and any more that you may have.

What does this career entail?
What skills and aptitudes do I need to have for the job?
What are the working conditions?
What type of training would I need?
How much money would I make?
Is there room for advancement in this position?
What is the job outlook for this career?
Are there any similar careers?
What types of responsibilities would I have?

Make sure you write down the information that you find as you do your research.

6. Type your results, one career per page.  Put in your portfolio.

7. Develop a fictitious (make believe) resume for one of the careers that you researched.  Use a template from the following site:
Resume Template

Remember to check spelling and grammar. Put the resume in your portfolio.

8. Pretend that you are applying for a job in your chosen career.  Write a professional cover letter to accompany your resume.  Use the following sites as a reference:
Cover Letter

Remember to use proper letter format and make sure you check your spelling and grammar.  Put the letter in your portfolio.

9.  Pair up with another student.  Using recommended web sites, come up with typical interview questions.  Write down questions that you will ask your partner during a mock interview.

10.  Write a script for your mock interview and practice several times. 
Click here for some interview tips: Interview Tips

11.  Using a video recorder or a tape recorder, tape each other as you take turns being the interviewer and interviewee.  Remember to act in a professional manner.  Check your recording for voice volume, body language etc. 

12.  Put interest inventory, career research, resume, cover letter and interview tape in your 2 pocket folder.  You now have a career portfolio.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Students will be evaluated on the final product which is the career portfolio.  Each student will be graded individually.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Career Knowledge Gained	Student lists careers but does not provide important information.	Student describes less than five careers. Detail is not given on important career information.	Student describes 5 different careers in  detail.  Answers questions listed in process section.  Research is typed.	Student describes 5 different careers in  detail.  Answers questions listed in process section plus adds additional information. Research is typed.	25 points
Resume	Content is not related or relevant.  Contains 3 or more grammar/spelling errors.  Not professional in appearance.  Difficult to follow. Does not stick to one consistent format.	Some content is irrelevant or unrelated.  Contains three or more grammar and/or spelling errors.  Errors in appearance.  Difficult to follow. More than one format used.	Content is somewhat related and relevant. There are   less than three grammar and/or spelling errors. Sticks to one format.	Content is related and relevant.  Resume is geared to a career that matches interests.  No spelling or grammar errors.  Resume is professional in appearance, easy to follow and typed.  Appropriate format. Sticks to one format.	25 points
Cover Letter	Content is unrelated and irrelevant.  There are many errors in spelling/grammar.  Proper letter format not followed.  Errors in appearance.	Content is somewhat related and relevant. There are   three or more  grammar and/or spelling mistakes. Format errors.	Content is somewhat related and relevant. There are   less than three grammar and/or spelling mistakes. Typed.	No spelling or grammar errors.  Content relevant and related.  Proper letter format.  Professional in appearance.  Typed	25 points
Mock Interview	Dialogue is unclear and/or inaudible.  Questions are not appropriate. Lacks serious attention (silliness, giggling etc.).  Unprofessional body language and appearance.	Dialogue is often unclear. Questions are generic.  Poor body language (fidgeting, slouching). Appearance is slightly unprofessional.	Most questions are of good quality.  Some dialogue is unclear.  Some fidgeting visible.  Body language is appropriate for the most part.	Clear conversation.  Quality questions that are relevant to career.  Appropriate body language.  No fidgeting.  Good posture.  Professional appearance.	25 points

The career portfolio is a tool to familiarize a student with his or her career interests.  This assignment  introduced the student to the countless career resources that are available on the web.  Remember that it is never too early to think about your future career!

Here are some helpful links to help pave your career path:

The Occupational Outlook Handbook 

Play the Career Game

Research Colleges and Universities
 
 

The microscope clipArt was borrowed from DiscoverySchool.com.
The viles of blood were found in microsoft clipart.

Thank you Dr. Deb for being patient with our class.

Ms. Abare, you enlighten me with your wisdom of strands, frameworks and all stuff fun.