June 7, 2023
Guess My Job Program puts SD61 on the international stage for innovative career education programming
VICTORIA, BC – Elementary students in the Greater Victoria School District broadened their career aspirations this year thanks to the District’s new Guess My Job program, an interactive career exploration workshop. Developed collaboratively by the District’s Pathways & Partnerships team and the UK non-profit Education & Employers, the Guess My Job Program exposes students to the wide range of career possibilities and educational pathways available to them. The program includes interactive lessons and activities followed by a Guess My Job panel event.
Piloted in late 2022, workshops took place in several District elementaries and middle schools this school year. Guest panelists from a variety of professional fields answered students’ ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions about their careers while students guessed their professions. Panelists then shared what they do and answered one-on-one questions at booths that visually represented their career.
“We know that students can’t be what they can’t see,” said Pathways & Partnerships Coordinator Bonnie Alexander. “The Guess My Job Program exposes them to a diverse range of careers and encourages them to challenge the assumptions or stereotypes that could be limiting their career aspirations.”
Community partners have been a key part of Guess My Job’s success, with resources and support provided by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Maximus Canada, and Wilson’s Group of Companies.
“We are continuously looking for ways to foster curiosity amongst our students and encouraging them to pursue passions that interest them. This event is a great way for young students to explore, reflect and start thinking about their personal strengths as they look to the future role they may wish to have in the community,” said Superintendent Deb Whitten. “It is important that students are introduced to a diverse group of professionals at an early age to inspire them and help broaden their horizons of what is possible after graduation. We want to empower students at a young age and connect their learning to the real world.”
The District’s Pathways & Partnerships team will continue to build on the success of the Guess My Job Program with more workshop offerings in the 2023/2024 school year. Pathways & Partnerships encourages K–12 students to make connections and transitions between classroom learning, post-secondary training, and the world of work. The team is gaining international recognition for its efforts in early years education and career programs.
Learn more:
Watch the Guess My Job event hosted at Frank Hobbs Elementary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bchcyO3KUO0
Greater Victoria School District’s Pathways and Partnerships: https://careers.sd61.bc.ca/
UK-based youth career educators Education and Employers: https://www.educationandemployers.org/
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For more information contact:
Communications & Community Engagement
Greater Victoria School District
Office 250.475.3212
community@sd61.bc.ca
