Planning suggestions:

Milestone 1: Profession Exploration and Selection

• Each student selects a profession they’re interested in.
• Students conduct in-depth research into various professions, considering not only financial aspects but also societal impacts and personal interests.
• The chosen profession should involve financial decision-making, such as wages, salaries and benefits as well as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing expenses.
• They select a profession that aligns with their interests and has complex financial decision-making involved.

Reflective Journaling

• Students maintain a reflective journal throughout the project, documenting their decisions, challenges, and insights.
• They can write about how their understanding of financial literacy evolved during the project and how real-life situations influenced their choices.

Milestone 2: Research and Identify Potential Professions

• Students research their chosen profession to understand its responsibilities, challenges, and financial aspects.
• They should try to connect and reach out to people in their chosen field (they can suggest a video call) to interview and ask them pertinent questions.
• They research typical salaries, job responsibilities, required education, and potential financial challenges professionals in that field may face.
• Students can deep-dive into research and analyze the financial landscape of their chosen profession, including potential income sources (salary, bonuses, commissions), irregular income patterns, and potential investment opportunities.
• They delve into industry-specific expenses and financial challenges unique to their chosen profession.
• They can explore online platforms like LinkedIn, professional association websites, and local business directories to find relevant contacts.

Milestone 3: Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Students create a budget for their “intern day.”
• The budget includes estimated expenses such as transportation, meals, work-related materials, and any additional costs.
• They also allocate a portion of their budget to savings and potential investments.
• Students can compose a professional and polite email expressing their interest in the profession and explaining their project. The email should briefly introduce themselves, mention their school and project, and request the opportunity for a brief informational interview or shadowing experience.

Milestone 4: Decision-Making Simulation

• Students go through a simulation of a day in their chosen profession.

• They make financial decisions based on the budget they’ve prepared. For example, they might have to decide between buying lunch or bringing their own, using public transport or driving, etc.

• Unexpected events (financial emergencies, unexpected expenses) can be introduced to challenge their budgeting skills.

• Students engage in a multi-day simulation, where they make strategic financial decisions over an extended period.

• The simulation includes unpredictable events like market downturns, unexpected expenses, and opportunities for career advancement.

• Students must adapt their financial plans based on these changing circumstances.

   

Cross-Functional Collaboration option

• Introduce an element of collaboration where students work in teams, each representing a different profession.

• Teams must collaborate on joint projects, make collective financial decisions, and negotiate shared expenses.

• This encourages students to understand the financial dynamics of various professions and enhance teamwork skills.

Milestone 5: Presentation and Discussion

• Students present their experience and financial decisions to the class.
• After the presentation, the class engages in a discussion about the various financial challenges and decisions students faced.
• This is also an opportunity for students to learn from each other’s experiences.

Milestone 6: Project Symposium

• Organize a symposium where students present their profession, financial decisions, and the outcomes of the simulation to a wider audience.
• This can involve other classes, parents, and teachers, allowing for a comprehensive sharing of knowledge and insights