Meet a ProfessionalFirst structured employer encounter
Why this matters
Year 8 students hear from a working professional in a structured 'three rooms, three voices' format - three short conversations rather than one long talk. Topics: how they got there, what they actually do all day, what surprised them. Year 8 students leave with three Q&A reflections and one follow-up goal.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson
I can describe one professional's career journey
I can ask a relevant follow-up question to a professional
I can identify one job element that surprises me about real work
ActivityActivity 1: Pre-event question prep
On your own15 min
Briefing: how to ask a great question (specific, curious, polite). Students prepare 3 questions each.
ActivityActivity 2: Three rooms, three voices
On your own60 min
Three 20-minute rotations with three professionals. Structured listening sheet for each.
ActivityActivity 3: What surprised me
Whole class15 min
Group debrief: one thing each professional said that surprised you. Connect to your own career profile.
Success criteria
How we'll know it worked
Three professional summaries completed
One question asked in person
Chapter Student Game
Action
Add a professional you'd want to learn more from to your Chapter network
Skills: Listening, Speaking
Pick one of the professionals you met. Write a 5-sentence reflection on what their career looks like and what surprised you.
What's next
Recruit 3 professionals from your local employer network. Brief them: be honest, share missteps, no jargon.