My packet of materials from CareerWise included five different laminated accordion-folded "road maps" having to do with the job market. Here's a little description of each of them.

• "Good to Know" is designed to ease a young person's concerns about the interview process and other things related to the "work-a-day world."
• "1001 Job Titles: from A to Z" is a dizzying list that certainly gets you thinking.
• "Vocabulary for the Working World: 131 common words and phrases in English and Spanish" includes terms such as "acquisition," "labor pool," and "video conference." No definitions are included; it is recommended that the user research the words and become familiar with them.
• "Career Exploration" is an interesting list of fifty activities or assignments (interviewing relatives about their jobs, visiting universisty websites to see what programs and degrees they offer, etc.).
• "Sophie and Her Fairy Godmentor" is a fairy tale about a schoolgirl bemoaning the fact she didn't make the soccer team. Her Fairy Godmentor, a savvy woman sporting a cell phone, briefcase, and high heels, helps her see other possibilities in the "field" of soccer.

I also received a 24 by 36-inch poster entitled "When I Grow Up I Want To Be. . . ." It lists the same 1001 job titles as in the above-mentioned brochure as well as some ideas for helping children discover what they want to do with their lives.

There is no accompanying instructor material. "Ideal for ages 8 and up" is printed on the back of the brochures. While it's good to think about jobs and careers early on, I would say these materials are most appropriate for high schoolers. I also think CareerWise literature is better suited to a classroom or at least a co-op situation.

CareerWise is secular. You will not find any religious "careers" such as minister or missionary or rabbi on the list of 1001 Job Titles. The tone of the material is somewhat "me-oriented" and may turn off some Christians. I would like to have my children make life choices based not only on their preferences and talents but, more importantly, according to what the Lord wants for them and how they can best serve others.

If you and your child are exploring career choices, these may be some materials to think about getting. Consider them especially if you are having a difficult time getting started or if your child is frustrated or not enthusiastic about the process.

Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September 2007