Sharing your work with students is an opportunity to help them see what a future in water science could look like. You do not need to give a formal career talk. Simple, authentic connections to your own experience make a strong impact.
Talking about careers helps students see how science connects to their lives and future opportunities. Even a few minutes of honest insight can make a lasting impression.
Make It Personal
- Share how you became interested in your field
- Talk about your path, including changes or unexpected steps
- Describe what you enjoy about your work
Show What the Work Looks Like
- Explain what you actually do day-to-day
- Highlight a recent project or real example
- Include fieldwork, lab work, teamwork, or problem-solving
Connect to Real-World Impact
- Explain how your work helps people, communities, or the environment
- Connect your work to local water issues when possible
- Help students see why this work matters
Highlight Different Pathways
- Mention a range of roles (scientists, technicians, engineers, policy, communication, etc.)
- Emphasize that there are many ways to work in water-related fields
Keep It Relatable
- Use clear language and avoid technical detail
- Connect your work to things students already understand
- Invite questions and encourage curiosity
Keep It Brief and Natural
- Include career connections as part of your lesson, not as a separate lecture
- Focus on a few key points rather than trying to cover everything
Example 2-minute Career Talk
“Hi everyone-before we get started, I want to take a minute to tell you a little about what I do and how I got here.
I work in [your field-e.g., freshwater science, water quality, fisheries, engineering], and my job is to [simple description-e.g., study how water moves, test water quality, track fish, solve water problems].
A typical day for me might include things like [1-2 examples-e.g., collecting samples from a lake, working in a lab, analyzing data, working with a team]. So it’s a mix of [hands-on work / problem-solving / teamwork].
I didn’t always know I wanted to do this. I got interested in water because [brief personal connection-e.g., I liked being outside, I cared about the environment, I took a class that sparked my interest]. From there, I [brief path-college, internships, etc.].
One thing I like about this work is that it actually matters. The work we do helps [real-world impact-e.g., keep water safe to drink, protect fish and wildlife, solve problems in communities].
There are also a lot of different careers connected to water-not just scientists. People work in engineering, policy, communication, education, and more. So there are many different paths you could take if this is something that interests you.
If you’re curious about this kind of work, one of the best things you can do is ask questions, get involved in things at your school to try things out, and pay attention to what you enjoy.
Alright, let’s jump into what we’re doing today.”