Apply Your Knowledge
1. Interview at least five people in different occupations to determine why
they work. Try to identify specific reasons. Then, ask them if they enjoy
their work. Decide if there is a relationship between work satisfaction
and why people work. Is there a relationship between the type of work
they do and how much they enjoy it? Summarize your findings in a
one-page paper.
2. Investigate volunteer opportunities in your community. Report on one
that appeals to you. Identify how the volunteer activity contributes to
preparing individuals for a future job.
3. Which do you see more often—people treating work as a problem or
as an opportunity? Discuss what may inspire workers to view work as
fun and exciting.
4. Examine two career clusters that include careers you may decide to
pursue. What new facts did you learn during the search? Did your
research help you move closer to making a career decision?
5. Think of a job in which you might be interested. Arrange to spend a
few hours visiting a company and observing a person who does that
type of work. You may want to ask your teacher to help you arrange
the visit. Prepare a list of questions you want answered or things you
want to see before you visit. Share your experience in a written or oral
report to your class.
6. Select a career cluster that is of interest to you. Do an Internet search
on that cluster and analyze the future employment outlook for the
careers in that cluster. Create a chart that summarizes your findings.
7. Carefully consider the figures in Section 1.1 of this chapter. From the
data provided, what can you conclude about the jobs that will be in
demand and those that will not? What do you think accounts for this?
8. Choose an occupation from Figure 1-2. Conduct research to identify
the area of study and degree requirements for the occupation you
selected. Visit the website of a college or university to view classes
and any additional requirements needed to complete the specific
college degree. Compare this information to that of another college
or university. Compile your information in a chart. Share your findings
within a small group.
9. Consider career options for your future. List three jobs you might want
to have as an adult. Using a three-column chart, make a list of five
things that you must do in the next two years to prepare yourself for
each job.
10. Think about your knowledge, skills, and interests. Next, review the
career clusters. Select a field that is of interest to you. Write a one-
page essay explaining why you would pursue a career in the field you
selected.
Chapter 1 Making the Transition from School to Career
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