C2.0 - Identifying Strengths & Skills for Career Growth

Image of girls and women using technology.

Level 2 Prompts - Reflect & Write: Reflect on the following prompts and write out your responses. You will use them later on in the lesson.
Skills and Passions – Identifying Strengths
This level encourages more reflection on personal skills and developing interests into career possibilities.

1. What are some technical or creative skills you’ve gained from school, work, or hobbies that you really enjoy using?
2. Can you describe a tech-related project or challenge you've worked on, and how you felt about the outcome?
3. Which aspects of technology align with your passions? (e.g., solving real-world problems, innovation, teamwork, helping others)
4. Are there any areas in tech where you’ve already developed some expertise or confidence? Share a moment where you felt “in the zone.”

Skills and Passions – Identifying Strengths Beyond Tech
This level encourages reflection on non-tech skills, personal growth, and how those could intersect with a tech career.

1. What are some skills or talents you’ve developed in non-tech areas of your life (e.g., communication, leadership, creativity, problem-solving)?
2. Can you share a project or event you’ve participated in (outside of tech) that made you feel proud or accomplished? What role did you play?
3. In which non-tech activities do you feel most connected to your passions? (e.g., helping others, creating something new, leading a team)
4. Are there any activities outside of technology where you’ve built confidence? How do you bring that confidence into other areas of your life?

Lesson 2: Identifying Strengths and Skills for Career Growth
Objective: Explore your strengths and passions to identify careers where you can thrive.
Step 1: Respond to Prompts
Use these prompts to reflect on your skills and passions:

• What technical or creative skills have you gained from school, work, or hobbies that you enjoy using?
• What non-tech skills or talents do you excel at in everyday life? (e.g., communication, leadership, problem-solving)
• Are there any areas where you’ve built confidence or expertise, either in tech or non-tech fields?

Step 2: Match Responses with Career Fields
Using your responses, revisit the traditional and emerging fields list. Identify fields or industries where you can leverage your skills. For instance:

• If you excel at problem-solving and creativity, you may explore Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Social Innovation.
• If you have leadership experience in non-tech areas, consider Management Consulting or Project Management.

Step 3: ChatGPT Career Exploration
Once you’ve identified some potential fields, use ChatGPT to explore deeper opportunities:
"Based on my skills in [insert skill] and my experience in [insert non-tech skill], can you suggest job roles where I can use these skills in both traditional and emerging fields?"
For example:
"Based on my skills in data analysis and my leadership experience in community projects, can you suggest potential job roles?"
Step 4: LinkedIn Research
Search for people on LinkedIn working in fields that match your skills. Identify professionals who have a career path similar to what you’re interested in:

• What type of work are they involved in?
• How did they build their career, and what are the milestones along the way?

Step 5: Skills and Salary Search
​Take the careers identified in your ChatGPT search and find the average salary ranges for each. Start by searching on Glassdoor or Indeed, and then use a second source like Payscale or Salary.com. Compare how the salary information differs between these platforms. Do the ranges match, or do you notice significant differences? What factors might influence these variations (location, industry, experience)?

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Examples of Technical Skills

1. Programming and Coding (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
2. Data Analysis and Visualization
3. Machine Learning Algorithms
4. Cloud Computing (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
5. Cybersecurity (e.g., network security, ethical hacking)
6. Database Management (e.g., SQL, NoSQL)
7. Web Development (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
8. Mobile App Development (e.g., Swift, Kotlin)
9. DevOps and Continuous Integration/Deployment (CI/CD)
10. Network Engineering
11. System Administration (e.g., Linux, Windows)
12. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neural Networks
13. Blockchain Development
14. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Development
15. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
16. Embedded Systems and IoT Development
17. Game Development (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
18. Automation and Robotics
19. Digital Forensics
20. 3D Modeling and Animation
21. Quantum Computing
22. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
23. Software Testing and Debugging
24. Project Management (e.g., Agile, Scrum)
25. Technical Writing
26. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
27. User Experience (UX) Design
28. User Interface (UI) Design
29. Audio/Video Production and Editing
30. Technical Support and Troubleshooting

Examples of Creative Skills

1. Graphic Design (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
2. Creative Writing (e.g., fiction, poetry, screenwriting)
3. Photography and Photo Editing
4. Video Production and Filmmaking
5. Painting and Drawing
6. Music Composition and Production
7. Sculpting or Pottery
8. Interior Design
9. Fashion Design and Sewing
10. Acting and Theater Arts
11. Illustration and Character Design
12. Branding and Marketing Design
13. Social Media Content Creation
14. Public Speaking and Storytelling
15. Copywriting and Content Writing
16. Calligraphy and Lettering
17. Dance Choreography
18. Jewelry Design and Crafting
19. Animation (2D or 3D)
20. Voice Acting
21. Event Planning and Management
22. Floristry and Floral Design
23. Culinary Arts and Food Styling
24. Podcast Production
25. Creative Direction
26. Illustration for Comics or Graphic Novels
27. Theater Direction and Playwriting
28. Fashion Illustration
29. Mural Painting
30. Art Curation and Exhibition Design

Examples of Non-Tech Skills & Talents

1. Leadership
2. Emotional Intelligence
3. Conflict Resolution
4. Public Speaking
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
6. Critical Thinking
7. Decision Making
8. Time Management
9. Adaptability and Flexibility
10. Active Listening
11. Networking
12. Problem Solving
13. Customer Service
14. Negotiation
15. Project Management
16. Cultural Competency
17. Organizational Skills
18. Event Coordination
19. Sales and Persuasion
20. Mentoring and Coaching
21. Strategic Thinking
22. Budgeting and Financial Management
23. Delegation
24. Interpersonal Communication
25. Stress Management
26. Attention to Detail
27. Public Relations
28. Volunteer Management
29. Logistics and Supply Chain Management
30. Fundraising
31. Crisis Management
32. Workplace Mediation
33. Customer Relationship Management
34. Employee Training and Development
35. Talent Management
36. Goal Setting and Prioritization
37. Writing for Non-Technical Audiences
38. Facilitation and Moderation
39. Research and Information Gathering
40. Work-Life Balance Strategies

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