Students Explore Future Pathways in Career Week

By Sloane Hill, ICS Middle School Counselor

The average person spends roughly 90,000 hours of their life working, so why not find something you love to do?

The decisions surrounding career paths can be complex, deeply personal, and at times even predetermined. Some people choose to follow in their family’s footsteps, while others embark on a winding journey of self-discovery before finding their place.

At ICS, supporting students in exploring what their futures might hold is a responsibility the Counseling Department takes to heart. In fact, the International School Counselors Association (ISCA) Student Standards highlight career development as a core area, emphasizing self-exploration, career research, and thoughtful planning for post-secondary pathways.

This year, we set out to strengthen and expand our whole-school approach to Career Week after piloting the event last year. With support from community members across ICS, the Counseling Team organized a rich week-long experience that blended career counseling lessons, guest speaker sessions, and culminated in an inspiring Career Conversations event in the High School Quad.

Throughout the week, students engaged in self-discovery. They used tools such as the RIASEC interest assessment and Skills Builder inventories to better understand their strengths, passions, and potential career matches. Students examined their personal values, reflected on decision-making, and explored the realities and challenges associated with different career paths. Many took a closer look at careers they were curious about, researching salary ranges, educational requirements, and job outlooks to gain a fuller picture of what the future might hold.

Our guest speakers added an invaluable dimension to the learning experience. They brought authentic insight and real-world perspectives that truly captured students’ attention. Classrooms were filled with thoughtful questions and lively discussions as students connected with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The week concluded with our Career Conversations event, where more than 30 guests joined us to share their stories with high school students. Among them were doctors, engineers, pilots, content creators, game designers, fashion designers, restaurant owners, writers, and many others who generously offered their expertise and encouragement.

Many of the experts are members of the ICS faculty with expertise beyond teaching, our ICS Board of Governors, ICS parents, and friends. We are also exceptionally grateful to our ICS alumni — some who joined us on campus and other who hosted virtual sessions from around the world — for giving back to our students in such a productive and personal way.

Career Week reminded us that career development is not about choosing a single path; it is about cultivating curiosity, exploring possibilities, and developing the confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world. We are grateful to our community for helping make this year’s event such a meaningful experience for our students, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years ahead.