What are Career Quests?
Career Quests are flexible, student-driven activities designed to introduce learners to a variety of industries and career paths. These quests focus on exposure, curiosity, and reflection, not formal assessment.
Note: Career Quests are not intended to be gradable. However, teachers may choose to collect student responses or use the Mission Log reflections for participation, discussion, or informal grading.
Time Estimates per Mission
Completing two missions typically fits within a standard class period (50-70 minutes). Timing may vary depending on how the activity is introduced and facilitated, whether independently, in pairs, or as part of a larger unit.
Why do Career Quests matter?
Career Quest is designed to help students make meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. Through engaging missions and reflection, students:
- Connect academic subjects to real-world industries
- Build awareness of high-growth, high-skill careers in the Hospitality, Events, and Tourism sectors
- Practice future-ready skills such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking
- Align with CTE goals, including career exploration awareness, and preparation for multiple pathways
How do Career Quests work?
Students begin by selecting a pathway aligned with their interests. Each pathway is designed to spark curiosity and guide exploration through a series of engaging activities:
- Introduction: A brief overview connects the topic to student interests and sets the stage for learning.
-
Career Missions: Each pathway includes two missions, featuring:
- A short video introducing a career or concept
- An application task that encourages hands-on learning
- Reflection prompts to deepen understanding
Students can complete as many missions as time and interest allow, using a Mission Log or other reflection tool to track their ideas and takeaways.
To conclude, students participate in a Quest Debrief, using reflection prompts and optional extension activities to explore next steps and related career pathways
What are some optional activities to extend Career Quest
To extend learning and encourage reflection after students complete their Career Quest pathways, consider these flexible wrap-up formats:
- Quick Share-Out: Invite students to share one job that surprised them and why. This can be done as a whole group discussion, through sticky notes, or using a Discovery Education Live Quiz.
- Career Carousel: In small groups, have students compare their favorite missions. Encourage discussion around common skills and recurring academic subjects across different roles.
- Role Match Challenge: Ask students, "Which career fits your current strengths? Which one challenges you in a good way?" Use this as a springboard for goal setting or academic planning.
-
Cluster Recap: 3–2–1 Strategy Have students reflect using this simple format:
- 3 skills observed across different careers
- 2 school subjects they connected with
- 1 career they want to explore further
- Virtual Visit: Invite students to meet a real-world expert through Career Connect. Choose a speaker from a related career field to spark new conversations and reinforce skills and subjects introduced during the activity.