Career Planning & Curriculum Resources
Through awareness and exploration, career development is a personal and essential part of every student’s K-12 journey. Students should be exposed to multiple career options and feel confident with their ability to access the correct post-secondary training and education needed.
Below you will find helpful websites, information on educational development plans, and career outlook information from the Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity to guide you on your career exploration journey.
Michigan has adopted six career zones, 17 career clusters, and 79 career pathways.
The early childhood and elementary school years are the ideal times to introduce the career zones to students and families. These are broad categories, or zones, of careers that have similarities and allow students to connect learning to careers.
Middle school students explore a broader view of occupational options in the career clusters which are job groupings with similar skill sets, interests, abilities, and activities.
High school students investigate the more specific career pathways to identify career options and develop a plan that will prepare them for the transition to postsecondary education, training, and careers.
Excerpt from Michigan Career Development Guide
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Elementary Resources
Design project-based learning with intentional career connections using the MiSTEM Toolbox.
6 Career Exploration Activities to Encourage Your Elementary Students
Tinkercad - circuits are now available for manipulation on TinkerCAD, entry level instruction on circuits
Nova Labs - mini cybersecurity videos
Michigan Learning Channel/PBS Partnership, Videos & Lessons (K-5)
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Middle School Resources
Design project-based learning with intentional career connections using the MiSTEM Toolbox.
Pathfinder allows you to select your career path and analyze the different ways in which to achieve your goals.
Use the O*NET Interest Profiler or other personal interest inventory.
Tinkercad - circuits are now available for manipulation on TinkerCAD, entry level instruction on circuits
Codecademy - online curriculum and student management system for varies IT platforms. Free version available but the Pro version is very reasonably priced.
Discovery Education - explore STEM careers via Discovery Education
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High School Resources
Going Pro allows students to discover in demand careers available in Michigan specifically in the skilled trades.
Pathfinder allows you to select your career path and analyze the different ways in which to achieve your goals.
Looking for careers in Michigan? MI Talent Connect allows current and future job seekers explore careers available.
Expand your search outside of Michigan. Career One Stop is an online database of job openings across the nation.
Macomb Business allows job seekers and employers to research targeting industries in Macomb County.
How a Resume Should Look for a College Student: A detailed guide offering actionable tips and examples tailored for students crafting their first resume.
Student Resume Examples: Professionally designed, ATS-friendly templates, helping students stand out in competitive application processes.
Additional Resources for Personal Exploration or Lesson Plan Development
MUST Construction Careers - a look at the careers in the construction industry
Career Guide – flip book career guides
Road Trip Nation – video profiles of successful industry leaders
US Bureau of Labor – Occupational Outlook, worksheet to help guide search
Career Aptitude – provides specific job titles or interest
Career Connections - explore varies careers through PBS online
CodeHS.org - online high school coding curriculum
Nova Labs - mini cybersecurity videos
Visible Body - online 3D anatomy
Career Outlook Guides
By: Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives
