This eye-catching 12-part set of paperback books is an open invitation to children in grades two through six to discover the exciting world of career exploration.

These books are designed especially for younger students. Engaging text, stimulating exercises and activities, and playful pictures will jump-start readers’ enthusiasm about potential careers. Plus, each book recommends Web sites, videos, and additional books that students can use to explore their plans for the future.

These books are also designed for use by teachers. Used separately or side-by-side with the Career Ideas for Kids Roadmap CD-ROM, these well-researched books are as informative as they are fun to read. And because these books were written with career guidance standards in mind, teachers can use them with confidence.

Some students crave excitement, variety, and challenge. For them, an adventure-oriented career may be ideal. Career profiles include airplane pilot, astronaut, carpenter, commercial model, computer security expert, detective, expedition leader, fire fighter, military serviceperson, miner, oil rig worker, paramedic, ranch hand, scuba diver, and welder.

For students who like to adopt stray animals, go camping, garden, or visit aquariums, a career involving living things may be a natural. Career profiles include agribusiness consultant, animal trainer, arborist, botanist, entomologist, farmer, hydrologist, land surveyor, marine biologist, merchant mariner, park ranger, pet groomer, recycling entrepreneur, veterinarian, and zoologist.

For students who like painting, photography, drawing, and drafting, a career in the arts may be picture-perfect. Career profiles include actor, animator, architect, artist, chef, choreographer, cosmetologist, development director, fashion designer, floral designer, graphic designer, industrial designer, interior designer, museum curator, and photojournalist.

For students who enjoy surfing the Internet, helping with software problems, or tinkering with PCs, a career in computer technology may help them get with the program. Career profiles include artificial intelligence scientist, computer game designer, computer programmer, hardware engineer, Internet systems administrator, multimedia developer, online researcher, repair technician, software entrepreneur, systems analyst, systems manager, technical support representative, technical writer, trainer, and webmaster.

For students interested in math, there’s no counting the opportunities to find a rewarding career. Career profiles include actuary, automotive mechanic, banker, builder, computer consultant, economist, geographer, machinist, manufacturing engineer, market researcher, mathematician, purchasing agent, stockbroker, traffic planner, and urban planner.

For students whose passion lies with making a buck, a career that centers on money may make sense. Career profiles include advertising executive, business manager, chief technology officer, e-merchant, entrepreneur, hospitality manager, international trade specialist, investment banker, lawyer, management consultant, publisher, real estate agent, sales representative, textile manufacturer, and venture capitalist.

Whether they like to work in the spotlight or behind the scenes, all students interested in a career in music or dance have star potential. Career profiles include arts administrator; booking agent; choir director; composer; costume designer; dance instructor; dancer; disc jockey; grip, gaffer, and lighting technician; musician; music teacher; music therapist; music video producer; recording executive; and sound engineer.

For students who are fascinated by chemistry, physics, or biology, a career in science may be the discovery of a lifetime. Career profiles include archaeologist, astronomer, chemist, engineer, food scientist, horticulturist, landscape architect, medical technologist, meteorologist, nutritionist, oceanographer, pharmacist, robotics technician, science educator, and veterinarian.

Not all students who like sports dream of being on the playing field. For them, a career in the stands, in a classroom, or in a gym may be gold medal material. Career profiles include sports agent, athlete, coach, facilities manager, fitness instructor, official, recreation director, sports attorney, sportscaster, sports equipment manufacturer, sports event coordinator, sports information director, sports pro, sportswriter, and trainer.

What do the class clown and the president of the debating club have in common? For students who like to sound off, a career that involves talking may be ideal. Career profiles include air traffic controller, broadcaster, corporate trainer, flight attendant, hotel manager, law enforcement officer, minister/priest/rabbi, news reporter, politician, publicist, retailer, social worker, speech pathologist, sports professional, and telemarketer.

For students who yearn to see the sights, a career that includes plenty of travel will definitely help them go places. Career profiles include airline professional, chief purser, commercial fisher, cruise director, diplomat, event planner, foreign correspondent, international businessperson, international relief worker, interpreter, railroad engineer, regional sales manager, tour guide, travel agent, and truck driver.

For students with the "write stuff," a career in a publishing house, in a newsroom, or on a soundstage may be a dream come true. Career profiles include advertising copywriter, author, book packager, bookseller, corporate communicator, editor, freelance writer, grant writer, information broker, journalist, librarian, literary agent, paralegal, publicist, and talk show producer.

Twelve 175-page paperback books. © 2001.