1. Career Orientation at School: Preparation for Education and Career

In this classic learning environment, young people receive an initial overview of various occupational fields and career paths within the school. Teachers and career guidance teachers are the main ones responsible for preparing students for the world of work through targeted teaching units, projects and information events. Guest lectures by professionals and excursions to companies complement the program to ensure practical insights.

2. Extracurricular career orientation: Building bridges for young people

This learning environment offers young people the opportunity to acquire more in-depth knowledge and skills in specialised courses or activities offered outside of school by educational organisations, associations or local employment agencies. There are special offers for young people with special challenges. Here, they are supported by experienced educational and career counsellors who respond individually to the interests and abilities of the young people and help them to find their professional direction and make decisions.

3. Pure practice: professional experience directly in the company

In companies, young people are given the opportunity to gain direct professional experience through internships or training programmes. You will learn about specific work processes and requirements and will be able to get a realistic picture of everyday working life. Trainers and employees of the company are responsible for the support and guidance, who act as mentors to the young people and offer them valuable insights into professional practice.

4. Personal advice: Tailor-made paths in education and work

In individual or small group-oriented counselling phases, educational and career counsellors offer personal support in various organisations such as counselling centres or employment agencies. This includes assistance in the preparation of application documents, preparation for job interviews and the development of individual career plans. The counsellors use their expertise to respond to the personal needs and situations of the young people and to support them in a targeted manner.

5. Across Borders: European Perspectives in Career Guidance

Cross-border “European” learning environments give young people the opportunity to look beyond the national framework and explore international career opportunities. Through programmes such as Erasmus+ or other European exchange programmes, they are supported by coordinators and international career counsellors. These offer insights into the European labour market, promote the development of intercultural competences and support the planning of stays or internships abroad in order to improve career opportunities in an international environment.

When using digital tools for young people, you should pay special attention to the following aspects:

• Use moderated platforms: Make sure the platforms are moderated to encourage positive and respectful communication.
• Protect your privacy: Be careful with your data on collaboration and networking platforms.
• Create inclusive communities: Engage in creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all youth regardless of their background.

 Tips and hints about video quality and camera settings

1. Resolution: At least 1080p (Full HD) is recommended to ensure good image quality. For more professional content, or if bandwidth allows, 4K is an even better option.
2. Camera position: The camera should be at eye level. Use books or an adjustable stand to orient the camera accordingly if necessary.
3. Frame: The speaker should be positioned centrally, with the upper edge of the image just above the head and the bottom edge at about chest height. This conveys closeness without being too intrusive.
4. Background blur: If your camera or software supports it, a slightly blurred background can increase the focus on the person in front of the camera and make for a more professional look.

Microphone Settings

1. Microphone type: A condenser microphone is best for clear voice recordings. Lavalier microphones are a great choice for freedom of movement, while USB microphones offer a simple but high-quality option.
2. Position: The microphone should be placed close to the mouth, ideally at a distance of 15-30 cm. Avoid speaking directly into the microphone to minimize plosive sounds (such as P’s and B’s).
3. Background noise: Try to record in as quiet an environment as possible. Pop filters and windshields can help further reduce unwanted noise.

Distance to the screen and viewing direction

• Screen distance: Work at a comfortable distance from the screen. Arm spacing is often recommended to support an ergonomic posture.
• Viewing direction: Look directly into the camera to simulate eye contact with the viewer. This promotes connection with the audience and makes the presentation more personal.

Decoration and lighting

1. Lighting: Natural light from the front is ideal. Avoid harsh shadows on the face by evenly distributing light. In the case of artificial lighting, you should use soft light that illuminates the face evenly.
2. Decoration: The background shouldn’t be distracting, but it shouldn’t look too sterile either. Simple, tidy environments with a few, thoughtful decorative elements such as plants or bookshelves look professional and appealing.
3. Color palette: Use calming, neutral tones for both the background and clothing to minimize distractions and keep focus on the content.

General Tips

• Test shots: Take test shots to check settings and surroundings before you start the actual recording.
• Continuous learning: Stay up-to-date on new technologies and methods to continuously improve your video quality.

Miro & Padlet: Tips

1. Objective: Start with a clear goal for your Miro board or padlet to target the content and layout.
2. Templates and layouts: Take advantage of Miro’s wide range of templates and Padlet’s different layout options to get started efficiently and purposefully.
3. Encourage collaboration: Actively invite team members to collaborate and use real-time communication tools to streamline sharing and collaboration.
4. Organization and structure: Keep your boards organized by using color codes, tags or categories and group similar elements visually.
5. Integrations & Workflow: Incorporate Miro and Padlet into your existing workflow by leveraging integrations with other tools like Slack, Google Drive, or Jira.
6. Security and access rights: Be aware of the access rights and privacy settings to securely share and protect your information.
7. Feedback and moderation: Use the comment function to collect feedback and stimulate discussion. Review and moderate posts to ensure content relevance and quality.
8. Export options: Consider Padlet’s export options for sharing and archiving project results outside of the platform.