Maine Career Exploration Badge
You’re about to begin your Maine Career Exploration Badge (MCEB) experience! The Maine Career Exploration Badge includes several key steps that every student will complete, even though the exact path may look a little different for everyone. This overview breaks down each part of the experience, from exploring careers to completing your final reflection.
To explore this resource, click “start” to move forward. Then, use the arrows to navigate. On page three, click each plus sign to learn more about the steps you’ll take as you work toward earning your badge.
Career Interest: Career Clusters
Career clusters are groups of careers that share common features. If you're exploring a wide range of options for your future, they’re a helpful place to start. This activity will guide you through identifying your top career clusters and learning more about what types of jobs fall into those areas.
Use the arrows to move through the resource and the link buttons on the “Your Task” page to access everything you need. You’ll take a career cluster interest survey, explore videos, and take notes on what stands out to you, both the positives and the parts you’re unsure about. There are no right or wrong answers; this is all about what fits you.
Based on the results from your Career Cluster Interest Survey, use the Top Career Clusters Form to record your information. Add your name, school, and check off your top two career clusters from the Education Planner Interest Inventory. This helps us understand your areas of interest as you continue your exploration.
ONET Interest Inventory
The O*NET Interest Profiler is a short quiz designed to help you discover careers that align with your interests and education plans. It’s a valuable first step in narrowing down career paths that might be a good fit for you. This activity will guide you through each part of the process. Start by opening the links provided on the second page of the resource. Then, use the arrows to move through the steps and learn how to complete the interest inventory.
Use the worksheet to record your results from the inventory and take notes on the two careers you choose to explore. This research will help you gain insight into real-world career options and take steps toward informed decision-making about your future.
Documenting Your Work Experience:
Hours Log & Final Reflection
To earn the Maine Career Exploration Badge, you’ll need to document your work experience in two steps: first, by keeping track of your time in the Work Experience Hours Log, and then by completing your Final Reflection. This short resource will guide you through what’s expected for each part so you can successfully show the skills you’ve built and the goals you’re working toward.
Send a Thank You!
Your community contact or business partner gave their time to support your learning. Whether your interaction was short or long, it's important to thank them. Your final task is to write a thank-you letter. Before sending it, be sure to show it to your instructor. Click each orange plus sign in the resource to explore tips and an example to help you get started.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on all your hard work! After completing all the steps for the Maine Career Exploration Badge, including submitting your Work Experience Hours Log and Final Reflection to your instructor, you have officially earned the badge. You should be proud of this accomplishment!
Once you’ve earned the badge, your instructor will confirm your completion. After that, you’ll receive your official completion certificate by email, and your $500 academic award will begin processing.