CULTIVATING CAREER AWARENESS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: PREPARING YOUNG MINDS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

January 4, 2025 Educator's Corner

Felto P. Agpawa

It has long been believed that high school students should concentrate on developing their career awareness, but more and more data points to the value of beginning this process in elementary school. Students who are exposed to job options early or feel more motivated and have a closer bond with their education because they have a feeling of direction and purpose. As an example of how elementary schools may significantly influence their kids’ futures, Irisan Elementary School in Baguio City has taken the lead in putting career counseling programs into place for its early students.

According to studies, presenting career concepts throughout the formative years lays the groundwork for adaptation and lifetime learning. A National professional Development Association research (NCDA, 2021) states that children as early as eight years old start to develop professional goals that are shaped by their surroundings, experiences, and social norms. Early career education dispels stereotypes and expands students’ perspectives, allowing them to imagine a variety of futures outside of conventional or gendered roles.

Career choices should not be based on gender but rather guided by individual interests, potential, and available opportunities, as emphasized by Gottfredson (2002) in her theory of circumscription and compromise in career development Students in Grade 6 at Irisan Elementary School are the focus of the Career Learning and Intervention Project, which gives them the information and abilities they need to make wise choices regarding their academic paths. This program enables students to match their interests and strengths with future prospects by introducing them to a variety of professional options and the academic pathways that lead to them.

The importance of self-efficacy in career development is shown by research by Bandura et al. (2001), which highlights how exposure to role models and career exploration activities increases students’ confidence in their ability to achieve. Interactive activities including career discussions, work shadowing, and aptitude tests are incorporated into the curriculum at Irisan Elementary School. Through partnerships with local businesses and professionals, the school offers practical insights that close the knowledge gap between the workplace and classroom.

These programs are in line with research by Savickas (2013), who supports narrative-based career counseling, in which students’ goals and personal narratives are incorporated into the planning process to increase its significance and impact. Career development in the elementary school level is frequently hampered by issues including a lack of resources and stakeholder knowledge. Irisan Elementary School has collaborated with government and community organizations to address this, combining resources to support its programs. The effectiveness of the program also depends on the parents and teachers.

Through their involvement, the school guarantees that career principles are consistently reinforced in the classroom and at home. The positive outcomes of cultivating career awareness early are already evident. Pupils exhibit greater confidence in setting academic goals and show improved engagement in their studies. Moreover, these efforts contribute to reducing dropout rates by helping students see the relevance of education to their future aspirations. As more schools recognize the value of early career guidance, programs like those at Irisan Elementary School serve as a model for creating well-rounded, future-ready individuals.

In a rapidly changing world, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to navigate their futures is no longer optional—it is essential. By fostering career awareness at an early age, schools can inspire young minds to dream big and work toward achieving their full potential. Irisan Elementary School’s proactive approach underscores the transformative impact of early career education, paving the way for a generation of empowered and purposeful learners.