Students start at an early age being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It is something that most students have thought about or considered. In middle grades and the start of high school, they have opportunities to discover more about themselves. This activity will lead to a better understanding of the career path that is right for them.
Note: This lesson plan is specific to Biltmore, LLC. but can be modified for a local business or industry in your community following the same outline.
| Author | Grade Level | Content Area |
| Jennifer Taylor | 8 | Career and Technical Education |
- Essential Questions
- Time Needed
- Making Connections
- Background
- Materials
- Activity
- Extensions
- Resources
- About the Author: Jennifer Taylor
- About the Fellowship
Essential Questions
- What careers are offered at Biltmore Farms
- Which career would best suit me?
- How can I learn more about careers in hospitality?
Time Needed
45-minute class
Guest Speaker-Carol Steen
Website for Biltmore Farms and PPT from Biltmore Farms
Making Connections
Students start at an early age being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
It is something that most students have thought about or considered. In middle grades and the start of high school they have opportunities to discover more about themselves. This activity will lead to a better understanding of the career path that is right for them.
Background
The presentation to the students will start with a brief introduction to the Star Jobs website. The website will be updated in the next few months with up to date information. The jobs listed are the “top” jobs based on pay, education, and demand.
Having businesses come into our classrooms is incredibly important for our students. If the resources such as funding and time are available, having students go to the business site is very powerful.
Links:
Materials
Various websites including CFNC.org, Star Jobs, Pathful Explore program
Student career interest inventories through ONet or CFNC
Student feedback– Google form for students to provide feedback about the event
Activity
Part 1: Introduction to Career Interest
- CFNC.org
- 20-minute Career Interest Inventory
- Students research and share the career that interests them
Part 2: Guest Speaker- Carol Steen
- Carol Steen from Biltmore Farms speaks to students about Biltmore Farms and careers in our area
- Student questions for Carol Steen
- Potential questions:
- Why did you choose this career?
- How much money does a ______________ make?
- How do you get a job at Biltmore Farms?
Part 3: Field Trip to Biltmore Farms
- Students travel to Biltmore Farms
- Students engage in presentations from select employees about career pathways in various departments.
- Students tour Biltmore Park and Hilton Hotel
Extensions
Biltmore Farms careers and internships are available to students. Our school is within a 25-minute drive of this location. Students can network with the presenters that they met to help them in their future endeavors.
Note: Inquire about internship opportunities at your local business or industry of choice.
Resources
- CFNC.org- career interest inventory
- STAR Jobs- Asheville Region
- Pathful Explore
- Carol Steen- Human Resource at Biltmore Farms
- Biltmore Park employees and staff
- Hilton Hotel- meeting space and tours
About the Author: Jennifer Taylor
I began my teaching career at West Henderson High School as a Family and Consumer Science teacher. In 2013, I became a Career Development Coordinator, partnering with Amy Singletary to create an internship and job shadowing program for students in Henderson County. During my tenure, I facilitated over 150 internships and 500 job shadowing opportunities.
In 2017, I moved to Polk County Schools, teaching Life Skills to 6th-8th graders, focusing on essential life and career skills. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought challenges, but we adapted and continued to prepare students for their future careers.
In 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, interning with Biltmore Farms. This experience allowed me to explore various careers and bring that knowledge back to my students.
Ultimately, my passion lies in Career and Technical Education, providing students with the chance to explore and prepare for their future careers. I returned to Henderson County Schools as a Career Development Coordinator and am excited to work towards expanding work-based learning opportunities for all students.
About the Fellowship
For my fellowship project, I partnered with Carol Steen, who is the vice president of Talent and Human Resources at Biltmore Farms. She expertly organized my schedule, ensuring that I could learn and observe various aspects of the organization. Under her guidance, I had job shadowing opportunities with professionals from different departments.
Additionally, I gained insights into restaurant management and had the chance to interact with other employees who generously shared their career journeys at Biltmore Farms.
Biltmore Farms is a truly exceptional company, guided by five key tenets: Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, Art & Culture, and Quality of Life. These principles make working for Biltmore Farms a unique and rewarding experience. The company’s professionalism, standards, and expectations are qualities that I am eager to instill in my students.
Often, students are unaware of the multitude of career options available in their own community and this field trip and lesson plan aims to broaden their horizons and expose them to diverse career possibilities.