📖 Unit 12: Career Choices - Reading lớp 9

Contrary to many of her friends, Gemma knew for sure what she would do when she (1) __________ secondary school. Although her cores in academic subjects were quite good, she (2) __________ designing and making women’s outfits. Gemma hoped to work soon (3) __________ she wanted to support her grandmother, who had brought her up. However, she decided that she would earn a (4) __________ in fashion and garment design in order to get more job opportunities.

Gemma attended career (5) __________ sessions to seek advice from garment teachers from vocational schools. She looked for schools with courses in fashion, garment, and textile before deciding where to study. She practised cutting and (6) __________ with a tailor in her neighbourhood. She was so hard-working that she improved her skills (7) __________.

When Gemma graduated, she already owned a small tailor shop which was popular with young women. She had such an (8) __________ mind that she kept learning to be successful in her dream job.

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Planning a career path is not easy at all. Although their own preference for a job really matters, researchers have pointed out some other factors that may influence teenaged students’ career choice. Parents’ expectations tend to have the strongest impact on their children’s decision-making, especially when they are young. For example, parents who work in the business sector often expect their children to pursue commerce and business. Sometimes, conflicts occur because children resist choosing the path that their parents want. Peer persuasion is another influential factor. Teenagers are impressionable, so they may find a career attractive because most of their friends do so. Though the most popular jobs sound cool, students might not do them well in the future if they are not passionate about them. Career advice that students find on the Internet may also affect their choice. However, not all online advice is practical and helpful. Finally, cost is the basic criterion for many students when planning their career path. Some choose to study and work abroad while others select a career that is more affordable.

The factors above may affect students’ future careers both positively and negatively. Since career planning is essential for a rewarding working life, it is vital that students receive a proper orientation from trustworthy sources.

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These days, the job market is changing so quickly that many wonder what it will be like in the next ten years.

Technology jobs
When work and entertainment go online, technology workers play an important role. Besides software engineers, Internet security experts will be popular and better paid than now. People with both formal and informal training can get hired for technology jobs. Those without a degree can still get a job if they can demonstrate good skills.

Food service jobs
The busier people get, the higher demand they have for food services. Bartenders and chefs will be popular. Although the growth rate will be extremely fast, the wages will not raise. There is no specific education requirement. People can get on-the-job training. Having formal education in cooking and hygiene can help chefs find better-paid jobs and get promoted.

Education jobs
Population growth means that there will be more need for teachers, other education-based jobs like librarians and museum workers will also be in high demand. Salary for educators will be higher than they are currently. Most education jobs will still require at least a college degree. In addition, those who want to be teachers will need to obtain a teacher training certificate.

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a. Which sector has jobs with each of the following features?

Tick (✓) column A for Technology, B for Food services, and C for Education. You may tick more than one column at a time.

b. Complete each gap in the sentence below with no more than THREE words taken from the passage.

1. Software engineers and Internet security experts will be popular and better paid in the near future.

2. In the technology sector, people with good skills can still get a job though they may not have a degree.

3. In food services, bartenders, chefs and cooking workers will be in high demand.

4. Chefs could earn more money if they have formal training in cooking and hygiene.

5. Teachers are in high demand due to population growth.

6. Examples of jobs in education, excluding teachers, are librarians and museum workers.