MS – CAREER EXPLORATION
Career Exploration provides members with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of various career fields through an objective test. This event encourages members to explore their interests, evaluate career options, and begin planning for their future success.
Event Overview
Division: Middle School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 50-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 30 minutes
NACE Connections: Career & Self-Development
Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened Pencil, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code
Knowledge Areas
· Career Readiness
· Critical Thinking Skills
· Career Planning
· Job Search Skills
· Career Advancement
Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
District
Check with your District Leader for District-specific competition information.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current school year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay in the official FBLA housing block at the official FBLA hotel in order to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Annual Activities, Community Service Project).
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5. Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.
Event Administration
· This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
· No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
· No calculators may be brought into the testing site.
Tie Breaker
· Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA meets the criteria specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all competitors with accommodations submitted through the conference registration system by the registration deadline.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
Electronic Devices
· All electronic devices such as cell phones, headphones, and watches of any type must not be brought to the testing site.
National
If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla-middle-level/competitive-events/
Study Guide: Competencies and Tasks
This study guide shows the skills and knowledge you’ll be tested on for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are based on the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives also reference MBA Research's Learning Activity Packages (LAPs)—resources with readings, activities, and assessments to help you learn. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA.
A. Career Readiness (10 test items)
1. Assess personal strengths and weaknesses (EI:002, LAP-EI-902) (PQ)
2. Assess personal behavior and values (EI:126, LAP-EI-126) (PQ)
3. Maintain appropriate personal appearance (PD:002, LAP-PD-002) (PQ)
4. Demonstrate systematic behavior (PD:009) (PQ)
5. Set personal goals (PD:018, LAP-PD-918) (CS)
B. Critical-Thinking Skills (5 test items)
1. Explain the need for innovation skills (PD:126, LAP-PD-126) (CS)
2. Make decisions (PD:017, LAP-PD-017) (CS)
3. Demonstrate problem-solving skills (PD:077, LAP-PD-077) (CS)
C. Career Planning (20 test items)
1. Identify desirable personality traits important to business (EI:018, LAP-EI-918) (PQ)
2. Assess personal interests and skills needed for success in business (PD:013) (PQ)
3. Analyze employer expectations in the business environment (PD:020) (PQ)
4. Explain the rights of workers (PD:021) (PQ)
5. Identify sources of career information (PD:022) (CS)
6. Identify tentative occupational interest (PD:023) (CS)
7. Explain employment opportunities in business (PD:025, LAP-PD-025) (CS)
8. Explain career opportunities in entrepreneurship (PD:066, LAP-PD-066) (CS)
D. Job Search Skills (10 test items)
1. Utilize job-search strategies (PD:026) (PQ)
2. Complete a job application (PD:027) (PQ)
3. Interview for a job (PD:028) (PQ)
4. Write a follow-up letter after job interviews (PD:029) (CS)
5. Write a cover letter (PD:030) (CS)
6. Prepare a resume (PD:031) (CS)
E. Career Advancement (5 test items)
1. Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships) (PD:032) (PQ)
2. Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker (PD:033) (PQ)
3. Explain the possible advancement patterns for jobs (PD:034) (PQ)