Responsible Decision-Making
Family Resources on Early Exposure to a Career
Project and Purpose
Students will answer questions about the importance of volunteering and how volunteer experiences can teach about potential career choices.
Video Overview:
Volunteerism has become a graduation requirement for high school students in hundreds of school districts around the country. In fact, a poll by Harris Interactive reports more teens volunteer to support a charitable cause — 56 percent — than have a part-time job — 39 percent. For some kids, volunteering also has a practical side, as well.
Early Exposure to a Career
Vishnu’s father, Dr. Muthu Kuttappan says, “I think that’s a very encouraging step and I hope other students follow; get first-hand knowledge of what is the real world.”
Experts add that when teens volunteer they are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and are more apt to do well in school. Susan Esslinger, a hospital volunteer coordinator, sees the future value in teen volunteerism. “Hopefully when they’re 40, 50, 60, 70 years old, they’ll still have that sense of volunteerism in giving back to the community, whether it’s at a hospital or a soup kitchen or whatever the place may be.”
If this lesson was used in the classroom: Students considered how to use volunteer and service-learning experiences for career exploration. In class students discussed the specifics or volunteering to learn about career options.
Getting Ready for the Conversation
The video for this module features Vishnu who volunteers at a hospital to learn about medicine and health care careers. Vishnu shares how his thoughts about a future career has changed as a result of his volunteer experience and his understanding that there is no replacement for actual job-related experience.
Conversation Starters and Practice at Home
The first item is for follow-up after viewing the lesson video and participating in class activities.
What did Vishnu learn from his experiences? Why do you think he suggests volunteering?
Make a list of things you find interesting? Research some of these interests and find out what types of careers might be similar to your interests. What are some new career paths you may not have thought about? [This can be revisited frequently]
What volunteering options are available that also would offer the chance to learn about a career? Develop a plan to follow through with one or more options.
Schools to Home Resources on Early Exposure to a Career
Discussion and Self-Reflection Questions
- The video cites benefits from volunteering to include exposure to possible career opportunities and learning respect and compassion for others. What are the other benefits volunteer experiences might provide?
- Many high schools across the country have incorporated community service hours as a graduation requirement. Do you agree with this requirement? Why or why not?
- If you have served as a volunteer, please share what the experience meant to you. Were there joys? Frustrations? What should teens do to make the most of the volunteer experience?
- What volunteer opportunities might you seek? What experience would you hope to have? What resources are available in your community to help you find a volunteer opportunity?
