What do you want to be when you grow up?
At Belvoir Elementary, students went beyond that age-old question—and asked something even more powerful: What skills will I need to thrive once I get there? During the school’s “Careers on Wheels and Heels” event in Greenville, North Carolina, students went further than exploring jobs—they explored the mindsets behind them.
With curiosity and confidence, students asked visiting community professionals not only what they do, but how they do it—diving into the real-life need for skills like self-awareness, communication, and critical thinking. These global competencies, often referred to as lifelong or human intelligence skills, are essential for navigating a changing world—and they’re the backbone of Participate Learning’s Global Leaders framework.
The result? A career exploration day that did more than inspire students—it empowered them to see themselves as future-ready leaders in any field.
Pay Attention: A Thoughtful Approach to Career Exploration
Months before the event, Belvoir’s school counselor, Jenny Godwin, began preparing students for a day of career exploration filled with meaningful dialogue. Students were equipped with thoughtful, open-ended questions to lead conversations with members of the local business community who attended as presenters.
Using Participate Learning’s global competencies as a guide, students were coached to ask questions that moved beyond job titles. They were encouraged to think critically about how each career connected to their academic learning and the skills needed to succeed—skills like communication, curiosity, and valuing differences.
During the event, students rotated in small groups through five stations, where they engaged with professionals from a range of industries. At each stop, they not only learned about job responsibilities but also interacted with real tools—from clippers at the barber station to electrician gloves. Some presenters even quizzed students on connections between their careers and classroom learning, like how a nurse’s work relates to the fifth-grade human body unit.
To ensure a strong global learning connection, each presenter received a guide to the global competencies in advance and was welcomed by Robin Sanyal, the lead for the school’s Global Leaders framework implementation. As presenters set up, Robin helped them identify how their roles aligned with skills like leadership, empathy, or collaboration.
“We explained how the global competencies show up in their work,” she shared. “It wasn’t just about what they do. It was about how they solve problems, lead teams, and contribute to their communities.”
Feel Connected: Local Faces, Global Impact
Belvoir’s career exploration presenters reflected a broad cross-section of career paths—and more importantly, they reflected the community. Many were family members of students or staff, which brought a powerful sense of belonging to the event. This personal connection strengthened student engagement and made each conversation more meaningful.
Visiting professionals included:
- A lawn care company owner
- An independent truck driver and business owner
- A U.S. Marshal and school resource officer
- A barber and an electric utility worker
- Bankers, nurses, and behavior specialists
- Representatives from Thermo Fisher, a global pharmaceutical company
Several presenters were bilingual and chose to speak in Spanish when possible—an intentional gesture that deepened relationships with students in Belvoir’s dual language program and celebrated the school’s multilingual community.
Each career station spotlighted a different real-world skill. A women’s basketball coach emphasized teamwork and valuing strengths—directly connecting to the global competency of valuing differences. A utility worker discussed communication in high-stakes environments, while a barber shared insights into entrepreneurship and adaptability.
Students used printed question strips—developed in class before the event—to help guide their conversations. These questions tied directly to the global competencies, allowing students to practice communication and critical thinking in real time.
“Kids were so engaged,” said Deirdre Ingram, principal. “They were tuned in, asking thoughtful questions, and making real connections with the presenters. It felt like meaningful learning was happening in every conversation. They were listening carefully, and the conversations had real back-and-forth.”
Take Action: Reflecting on Career Paths Through a Global Lens
After the event, the learning continued back in the classroom. Third through fifth graders reflected on the experience by taking a digital survey, while kindergarten through second graders expressed their thoughts through writing and art. These reflections gave educators insight into how students connected with the presenters—and how their career interests may be taking shape.
Belvoir’s Career Day showcased the power of early career exploration as a part of the Global Leaders framework. Through this lens, students practiced essential global competencies and explored how classroom knowledge translates to real-world impact.
By connecting with local professionals, asking meaningful questions, and reflecting on their experiences, students learned about more than careers—they began to envision their own roles as future-ready leaders.
School counselor Jenny Godwin summed it up best: “Beyond career options, the day helped students explore identity, purpose, and the possibilities ahead.”
Inspired by this story? It’s one of many from schools rethinking what’s possible with global learning. Download our Global Leaders eBook to discover how educators are building connected, future-ready school communities.
