The activities in each of the seven (7) stages of career development below should be completed in sequence starting with Stage 2.

Career development is a lifelong process. Career awareness begins in elementary school (K-5), career exploration occurs in junior high (6-8), career preparation and application takes place in high school (9-12), and life-long career management continues throughout one’s lifetime. It is important for CTE teachers and faculty to consider the advantages of engaging students of all ages in career development. Research has found that middle school students enrolled in career courses had improved math and science grades, and were more likely to engage in careful academic planning. Early planning will also give students more time to assess whether a 4 year or 2 year college, dual enrollment, or a certification program is appropriate to meet their goals. (American School Counselors Association - near bottom of PDF)

If you have never done any career/lifework planning, then you should start with the activities in Stage 2.

Click on the hyperlinked stage below that best matches you or your child's stage of career development, grade or age. All stages should be completed in sequence starting with Stage 2.

1. Stage 1 - Pre-school - age ~1-5
   
2. Stage 2 -
   
   1. Stage 2 - Kindergarten - age ~6
   2. Stage 2 - Grade 1 - age ~7
   3. Stage 2 - Grade 2 - age ~8
   4. Stage 2 - Grade 3 - age ~9
   5. Stage 2 - Grade 4 - age ~10
   6. Stage 2 - Grade 5 - age ~11
   7. Stage 2 - Grade 6 - age ~12
   8. Or have never done any career/lifework planning
3. Stage 3 -
   
   1. Stage 3 - Grade 7 - age ~13 ... (Middle school/Junior High - Teenager)
   2. Stage 3 - Grade 8 - age ~14
   3. Stage 3 - Grade 9 - age ~15 ... (High school - freshman)
   4. Or have not completed Stage 2 above.
4. Stage 4 - (Links to this and remaining stages will be added later.)
   
   1. Stage 4 - Grade 10 - age ~16 ... (Sophomore)
   2. Stage 4 - Grade 11 - age ~17 ... (Junior)
      
   3. Stage 4 - Grade 12 - age ~18 ... (Senior - Adult)
   4. Or have not completed Stage 3 above.
      
5. Stage 5 - Youth in post-secondary institutions - age ~19-20
6. Stage 6 - Adults (20-65)
   
7. Stage 7 - Retirement