Career guidance is more important than ever. There is substantial new evidence that it works. The 2021 longitudinal study found considerable new evidence that career-related teenage attitudes and experiences are positively linked to better employment outcomes

Career curious school cultures promote student discovery of their career identity and the alignment between their educational experiences and future plans. They have regular opportunities to engage with people and information about the world of work. By doing so they develop a growing autonomy to consider who they are, evaluate how they are growing, purposefully consider academic and extracurricular options, and develop plans leading to their goals. 

These environments also call on educators and extended staff to exhibit career curiosity for themselves and about their students. By doing so, the community of practice is actively engaging students in age appropriate reflections about their existing and planned education and training choices based on what they are learning about their career interests and the requirements of their hoped-for careers. answer to this item.

A growing body of research highlights the importance of introducing career-related learning no later than middle school. The goal is not for children to choose a career in the primary grades, but to encourage exploration and an understanding that everyone is unique and special, with strengths and interests that are valuable across a wide range of career options. Starting early helps students develop a vision of their future selves and the expectations needed to achieve their dreams. Starting early also provides ample opportunities for educators and staff to learn about and support the occupational ambitions of every student. 

Dialogic approaches ask questions to elicit deep reflection and self exploration. Using structured conversations that guide students through a self-reflection process with a trusted adult ensures that students are making clear connections between their educational experience and later academic and employment goals. 

A Simple and Direct Dialogic Approach

• Who are you?
• How are you growing?
• What are your options?
• Where are you headed?

A common career language enables students and adults to engage in simple, sustainable, and positive ongoing career conversations both inside and outside of core instruction. This shared language can also easily extend to family members, mentors, coaches, and other community networks. Using the RIASEC model as a common language provides a well-established framework backed by decades of research. It is extensively used by colleges, universities, the Department of Labor via the O*Net program, and a wide range of independent career counselors and advisors globally.

Learning environments that prioritize career conversations support the development of career competencies and career identity by providing regular opportunities for students to share their thoughts and feelings about their place in the world. This approach shifts career learning from a transactional model, focused on participation minutes and one-time events, to ongoing conversations that promote student agency, involvement, and self-reflection. Consistent career conversations offer students who are uncertain a regular sounding board for support from teachers, counselors, school leaders, and peers, helping them explore, document, and align their academic and career plans.

Research literature clearly indicates that families play the primary role of career coach for students. Engaging families in the career development process and inviting them to develop a common career language extends classroom conversations about the world of work beyond the school day. Families can also provide extended learning opportunities by connecting students with networks of people from various professions. These foundational methods create additional opportunities for families and caregivers to support schools through regular career talks and workplace visits, augmenting the school's career learning initiatives.

Community partners are essential for supporting the integration of career exploration activities for students, both in person and virtually. These opportunities provide students with firsthand experiences necessary to critically investigate the workplace on multiple occasions. This allows them to connect their strengths, interests, and values with the academic and workplace demands required.

When learners own their plans with support from teachers and caring adults, they progress from simple information storage and retrieval to advanced levels of career learning and personal ownership. This process of owning, reflecting, and updating enables students to process ideas, consider their long-term goals, and question the alignment of their strengths, interests, workplace values, and skills as part of their transformational journey. These written plans also help educators become aware of students' occupational expectations, and incorporate structured learning approaches that encourage redesign, agency, adaptability, and alignment, allowing students to develop the skills and resources they need to navigate uncertainty.

They all work together to help us develop our occupational identity. Some are more stable over time, while others shift based on our life experiences. How we see ourselves and engage in ongoing conversations shapes our thinking. Language like the RIASEC helps kids engage and explore options. Trusted adults help guide and inform ongoing career conversations.

Research shows that vocational interests significantly influence career outcomes, including income, job performance, and academic achievement. The RIASEC as a common career language of interests, supported by strengths, values, aptitudes, and skills all play crucial roles. Strengths enhance confidence and skill application, while values guide individuals to fulfilling roles. Aptitudes provide the foundation for learning new skills. By prioritizing interests and integrating these elements, students can create personalized career plans that encourage continuous growth, adaptability, and a deeper sense of purpose, leading to greater career satisfaction and success.