Making a mind map about your dream job

Objectives

Work being one way of participating in society, this activity focuses the attention from activities the participants like to possible jobs to what they think is needed for that job and whether or not they have to learn extra skills.

This activity aims:

• to stimulate participants’ (creative) thinking;
• to make them aware of what they would really like to do workwise;
• to stimulate their communication skills (talking and listening)
• to stimulate their empathy;

Material

Enough paper and pens or pencils in different colours for all participants. Tables and chairs.

Preparation

In case the facilitator is not too familiar with making mind maps she/he should have a look at websites explaining how mind maps work.

Instructions

This activity challenges participants to think about what they would really like to do workwise in their new country and to share their dream with another participant. This activity requires a safe space for the participants.

Steps:

1. Some participants might not know what a mind map is, so make sure that all know what you expect them to do by giving an example on a flip chart, using keywords, colors and arrows (see example below).
2. Ask the participants to write in the middle of their piece of paper what they like to do best (it should be an activity that can be work related, not something like sleeping or drinking) and to put a circle around it.

This activity will be the start of their mind map. From there they can ask themselves questions like:

3. What kind of jobs will allow me to do the activity
4. What sort of skills do i need for each of those jobs **
5. Do I need to learn extra skills? If so, which skills (per job)
6. How many hours per day or per week would i like to do this activity
7. Will I need somebody to look after my children, pets, parents etc. when i am away
8. Would i mind to travel in order to do this job
9. What sort of transport will I need
10. Which of the jobs would i like to do best
11. Why?

Questions like these might help them. In the ideal situation participants’ associations radiate out from the central theme, but it is not likely that this will be the case for all. Walk around when the participants are working on their mind map and offer help when you think somebody got stuck.

12. Give them circa 50 minutes to make their mind map, after which you form pairs.
13. In pairs the participants explain to each other their mind maps, one after the other. The ‘listener’ can ask for clarification, if needed, and make remarks. (10 minutes)
14. Bring the group back together for evaluation (see below)
15. After the evaluation, ask them (homework) to think about how they would present themselves if they had to apply for their dream job.

ad **: You might need to work in a separate lesson/activity on the concept of skills, it might be difficult to come up with skills or to relate them to themselves.

Closing Up

Also check: How to present myself for that job

Links

For more information on mind mapping visit:

https://www.mindmapping.com/mind-map