What Is Career Development?

Career development is the journey of discovering, planning, and growing one’s professional life. It involves:

• Understanding your strengths, interests, values, and skills

• Exploring different careers or livelihood options

• Learning how to prepare and present yourself well (resumes, interviews, communication)

• Cultivating both personal and interpersonal skills (teamwork, time management, adaptability)

• Setting goals for short‑term and long‑term success, then working toward them

It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about building a path that aligns with who you are, what you care about, and where you want to go.

About ED45: Career Management (Grades 9‑12)

The ED45 Course – Career Management is a high school course in the North Carolina Career & Technical Education program designed to help students develop key career and employability skills. Here are the main details and what students will gain from it:

What Students Will Learn & Do?

Here’s what the ED45 course centers on, and the kinds of skills and experiences students will get:

• Leadership and Personal Management: Understanding individual learning styles, setting goals, managing time and resources, making

  decisions.

• Career Exploration: Looking into different careers across all CTE (Career & Technical Education) pathways, and understanding what’s needed in terms of education, skills, and career paths.

• Communication Skills: Developing public speaking, writing, listening, and other forms of professional communication.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working with others, understanding team roles, leadership within teams, resolving conflicts.

• Employability Skills: Soft skills such as punctuality, work ethic, critical thinking, adaptability. Also, learning how to present oneself in job interviews, developing resumes, etc. (where applicable)

• Hands‑on Experience: Activities and projects that let students apply what they’re learning—could include real world scenarios, role‑play, possibly engagements with industry via field trips or CTSO events.

Why This Matters?

• Builds a strong foundation for any career path: No matter what field a student ultimately pursues (health, tech, business, arts, etc.), the skills in ED45 are broadly useful.

• Helps students make informed decisions about their future: By exploring options and understanding their own strengths, students can choose pathways that fit them.

• Increases readiness for the workplace or further training/education: Students come out more prepared, knowing how to present themselves, work in teams, and manage their time.