Charlene Carter talks about how teens in foster care start out working at minimum wage jobs while in the system, but don’t plan ahead and end up stuck in these dead-end jobs. Charlene urges teens to think “more long term” and explore internships, volunteer opportunities, and paid jobs to acquire the skills they need to do well after leaving care.

Activity: Youth can work individually, in pairs or in small groups. Have each youth/pair/group list the following: 1) something they enjoy doing, 2) what kind of job they could get in this field, 3) an adult they can talk to about this field, and 4) an adult already working in this field who they can talk to. Go around the room, list the responses on the board, and discuss.