Career Explorer Slides
8th Grade Career Exploration
Discover Your Future Career
Explore what you love, brainstorm what you know, and explain your dream job in 3 complete sentences.
Find Your Path
•
Write Your Vision
The Big Picture
What is a Career?
A Job
Work you do mainly to earn money in the short term.
Example: Babysitting, cashier, mowing lawns.
A Career
A chosen profession built through education, experience, and passion over time.
Example: Software engineer, veterinarian, chef, nurse.
Today, you are thinking about a long-term career!
STEP 1
Your Selection
Choose ONE Career to Explore
STEM & Tech
Game Developer, Roboticist, Marine Biologist, Architect
Health & Care
Pediatrician, Physical Therapist, Vet, Paramedic
Arts & Media
Animator, Graphic Designer, Author, Music Producer
Skilled Trades
Electrician, Aircraft Mechanic, Chef, Welder
Public Service
Teacher, Detective, Firefighter, Environmental Lawyer
Any Other Field!
Pick any real career you are curious or passionate about.
✍️ Task: Write the title of your chosen career at the top of your paper.
STEP 2
Brainstorm Dump
Write Everything You Know
Daily Duties
What does a typical day look like? What tasks or projects do they work on?
Tools & Skills
What equipment, software, or personal skills are needed to succeed?
Training & School
What degree, certification, trade program, or practice is required?
💡 Tip: Write in bullet points or a web map — get as many facts down as you can!
STEP 3
Your Reason
Why Would You Like This Career?
Write Exactly 3 Complete Sentences:
1
Sentence 1: The Spark
State the career and what specifically excites or interests you about it.
2
Sentence 2: Your Strengths
Explain how your current skills, talents, or personality fit this job.
3
Sentence 3: The Future Goal
Describe the impact you want to make or what you want to achieve in this role.
Check for capitalization, complete thoughts, and ending punctuation!
Put It All Together
Example & Final Checklist
Model Response
"I want to become a graphic designer because I love creating digital artwork and storytelling through visuals. My creativity and attention to detail will help me design eye-catching graphics for games and websites. In this career, I hope to create designs that inspire people and solve real communication problems."
✓ 3 full sentences with strong reasons
Student Checklist
Chosen 1 clear career
Written everything you already know
Written 3 complete sentences explaining why
Ready to share with a partner
Time to write! 🚀
8th Grade College & Career Readiness