Cliona McMenamin, Head of Careers and Teacher of Mathematics at Dubai College, shares the importance of embedding well-being in careers education.
1) Start with Self-Discovery, Not Decision-Making
Most careers programmes jump too quickly to the “what” (university courses or job titles) before helping students understand the “who.”
When students explore their strengths, values and motivations first, they make more authentic and confident choices later.
By integrating reflection tools, personality frameworks and “career conversations” into tutor time or PSHE, we give students permission to see career exploration as part of their wellbeing journey, not a pressure-filled process.
Take 2) Make Wellbeing the Foundation, Not an Add-On
A student who is anxious, burnt out or comparing themselves to others can’t meaningfully engage in future planning.
Embedding wellbeing strategies (mindfulness, gratitude, resilience or even time to pause and reflect) into careers lessons helps students manage uncertainty with calm and confidence.
When students feel psychologically safe, they are more open to growth and more resilient in navigating rejection or change.
Take 3) Redefine Success: From Prestige to Purpose
Too often, students equate success with prestige - top universities, big salaries or brand names.
Our role is to shift that narrative. We should celebrate diverse definitions of success: joy in learning, alignment with values, contribution to society.
Using alumni stories and real-world examples helps students see that there are many ways to live a successful, meaningful life.
Take 4) Connect the Dots Between Curriculum and Careers
Students often ask, “When will I ever use this?”
Careers education becomes transformative when we bridge classroom learning with the world beyond school. Whether through curriculum-linked career talks, employer projects or cross-subject challenges, this approach builds both relevance and confidence, showing students that what they learn today genuinely matters for tomorrow.
Take 5) Build a Culture of Conversation
The best careers education doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in conversations.
Creating spaces where students can talk openly about uncertainty, comparison or changing plans builds resilience and agency.
Teachers, parents and peers all play a role here. When a school normalises these conversations (from staffroom to classroom) students learn that their pathway doesn’t have to be perfect to be purposeful.
Reach out to Cliona here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliona-mcmenamin-5279941a1/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAC9PMu8B8VfXXlptgWsF8ggGfEcwZstEsrQ
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