Career Connections
Visit these sites and discover the many exciting and rewarding jobs available to people interested in the energy, finance, natural resources, environment, nutrition, science and more!
Many middle school students, their parents and teachers are realizing that career exploration needs to start before the student begins high school. High schools often offer programs of study in many career related areas, including natural resources, medicine, research science and agriculture. Having a general idea of their interests may help guide students to a program in their high school which may offer unique opportunities and experiences. Programs of study can sometimes include class credit which may articulate with community college or four-year college programs, giving a motivated student a step up in post-secondary studies or job placement.
Many middle school students I work with are interested in animals, the outdoors, science and plants. I always suggest they get involved with 4H, after-school clubs, volunteering at local farms or nature centers. I am happy to say many of these students have pursued their middle school interests as careers later on. I know of former students who joined animal clubs, gardening teams, community service projects and volunteer programs who now work as adults at the National Aquarium, National Arboretum, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, State and National Park Service, and work as beekeepers, beef farmers, organic garden directors and education staff. It’ not too early in middle school to think about the years ahead – in fact, waiting until high school, may be too late!
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
Click here to see our Career Connection brochure!