Career Awareness of the Elementary Aged Child

Elementary aged children are in the career development stage of "career awareness." Children at this age should be given the opportunity to be exposed to many different careers. They should begin being able to identify their own personal strengths and interests (#1 in the image below). Children should be taught that being a successful, productive student will equate to success one day in a career. They should also begin to learn the decision making process and the idea that choices can have many different consequences/outcomes. WYES students are taught that the definition of a CAREER is a job that incorporates your strengths (what you are good at) and your interests (what you enjoy doing).