Exploring Career Paths
The transition from school to the workforce is a significant milestone, and for Year 9 and 10 students, it can feel overwhelming. The career orientation programme equips them with the basic knowledge and tools needed to navigate the many educational and professional opportunities in Germany. Rather than focusing on immediate decisions, the programme encourages students to explore their strengths, skills, and interests while understanding how education can help them shape their future proactively.
The programme introduces students to different educational pathways, including vocational training (Ausbildung) and higher education options like university and dual study programmes (duales Studium). A key part of the initiative involves practical lessons on writing resumes, drafting application letters, and searching for internships. These skills prepare students for future career planning. At the end of the programme, Year 9 students share their experiences and help guide the next group of students advancing from Year 8.
Gaining Real-World Experience
A central aspect of the programme is a one-week internship at a company or institution, giving students firsthand exposure to a professional environment. They engage in tasks different from schoolwork, gaining valuable insights into workplace dynamics. Reflecting on this, Ferdinand from Year 9 shared: “Doing an internship is great because it allows you to gain important practical experience and knowledge.” Many students choose to repeat this experience, often pursuing additional internships before completing secondary school.
A Visit to the Federal Employment Agency
To complement their learning, Year 9 and 10 students visited the education centre of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Here, they learned about the Bavarian education system and the broad range of career opportunities available. The students had access to a library offering extensive resources like career guides and online tools for independent research.
During an interactive session, students explored the different types of schools in Bavaria, the opportunities they offer, and various vocational and higher education pathways. Arhan commented: “I didn’t know much about the school system in Germany, but the visit to the employment agency taught me a lot and made me think about what I want to do in the future.”
Students also took a vocational test to match their interests and skills with potential career paths. Many found this exercise fun and insightful in shaping their future considerations. Ankhilgoo noted, “The career tests gave us insight into potential job choices. Overall, it was a great experience, and I now have a first idea of possible future paths.” Luigi added, “The vocational test helped me better understand which career options suit me.”
Looking Ahead
The career orientation programme encourages students to view education as a continuous process rather than a fixed path to a profession. It helps them think about their future in a structured and informed way. Johannes shared: “I really enjoy career orientation because it introduces us to the world of work and allows us to explore different career paths.” Nil concluded, “The career test helped us discover jobs that might be a good fit. Overall, it was a valuable experience for all of us.”
The visit to the Federal Employment Agency, along with the broader programme, provided students with the tools to reflect on their strengths and interests. It equipped them with practical knowledge for future career planning and reinforced the idea that career development is a continuous journey – one that requires exploration, reflection, and preparation.
Dr. Juan Viacava and Dr. Michael Howell, Teachers, SIS Ingolstadt