Career Opportunities in Commerce for SS1 Students

Subject: Commerce

Class: SS1
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Topic: Career Opportunities


Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define the term “career” and “occupation.”

  2. Mention the types of occupations.

  3. Explain career opportunities available in commerce.

  4. State the requirements for various careers in business.

  5. Identify factors to consider before choosing a career.

  6. Highlight career hazards and how to avoid them.


Keywords:

Career, Occupation, Profession, Skill, Entrepreneur, Hazard, Qualification, Job Market


Instructional Materials:

  • Pictures or charts showing different professionals (e.g. banker, lawyer, teacher)

  • Real-life videos or YouTube clips on professionals

  • Guest speaker (e.g., banker or insurance agent)

  • Flashcards with occupation titles


Content Breakdown

1. Meaning of Career and Occupation

  • Occupation is any legal activity engaged in to earn a living (e.g., farming, teaching, banking).

  • Career refers to a long-term professional journey or a chosen profession pursued for a significant part of one’s life.

2. Types of Occupation

Occupations are generally grouped into three:

  • Industrial Occupation – e.g., factory workers, engineers.

  • Commercial Occupation – e.g., bankers, insurers, traders.

  • Service Occupation – e.g., teachers, doctors, police officers.

3. Career Opportunities in Commerce

Some examples include:

  • Accountant

  • Banker

  • Insurance Agent

  • Stockbroker

  • Marketer

  • Entrepreneur

  • Customs Officer

  • Import/Export Agent

  • Business Consultant

  • E-commerce Specialist

4. Requirements for Various Careers

Each career path requires a combination of:

  • Educational qualification (e.g., university degree, diploma, professional certifications)

  • Skill set (communication, analytical thinking, numerical skills)

  • Experience (internships, volunteering, part-time jobs)

5. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Career

  • Interest and passion

  • Personal abilities and strengths

  • Job availability and demand

  • Salary and working conditions

  • Opportunities for growth

  • Risk factors and hazards involved

6. Career Hazards

  • Physical Hazards: Long working hours, job stress (e.g., for marketers or bankers)

  • Emotional Hazards: Job dissatisfaction, burnout

  • Health Risks: Sitting for long hours, computer strain, exposure to chemicals (e.g., in industrial work)


Class Activities

  1. The teacher invites a business executive (e.g., banker or insurance broker) to give a talk.

  2. Students listen attentively and take notes.

  3. Students ask the speaker questions based on their career and experiences.

  4. Display and discuss pictures of people in different occupations.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Communication

  • Critical Thinking

  • Problem Solving

  • Listening and Inquiry


Reference Materials

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work

  • Business Studies Textbooks (Senior Secondary)

  • Online resources like Investopedia and MyJobMag


Evaluation Questions

Fill in the blanks (Choose the correct option a–d):

  1. A career is a long-term ______ in a particular field.
    a) occupation
    b) profession
    c) journey
    d) business

  2. One requirement for becoming a banker is having a ______.
    a) driver’s license
    b) business idea
    c) degree in banking or finance
    d) tailor’s certificate

  3. A person who sells insurance policies is called a(n) ______.
    a) teacher
    b) insurance agent
    c) trader
    d) stockbroker

  4. An example of a commercial occupation is ______.
    a) farmer
    b) pilot
    c) banker
    d) soldier

  5. A major factor to consider before choosing a career is ______.
    a) uniform color
    b) job demand
    c) food supply
    d) road condition

  6. Physical hazard in a career refers to ______.
    a) salary
    b) mental alertness
    c) health risks
    d) time management

  7. Which of the following is not a career in commerce?
    a) Accountant
    b) Engineer
    c) Trader
    d) Marketer

  8. A career in which goods are bought and sold is under ______ occupation.
    a) service
    b) industrial
    c) commercial
    d) agricultural

  9. An important personal quality in choosing a career is ______.
    a) intelligence
    b) good looks
    c) strength
    d) interest

  10. A stockbroker is a person who trades in ______.
    a) cars
    b) clothes
    c) shares and stocks
    d) oil


Class Activity Discussion – FAQs

  1. What is the difference between occupation and career?
    An occupation is a job done to earn money, while a career is a long-term journey in a particular profession.

  2. Can I change my career later in life?
    Yes, people often switch careers as their interests or circumstances change.

  3. What qualifications do I need to be an accountant?
    A degree in accounting and possibly a professional certification like ICAN.

  4. Is entrepreneurship considered a career?
    Yes, being an entrepreneur is a career path that involves managing your own business.

  5. Why is passion important when choosing a career?
    Passion keeps you motivated and satisfied in your job.

  6. What are the risks of choosing a career without research?
    You may end up in an unsatisfying job, with little growth or poor income.

  7. Are all commercial careers office-based?
    No, some involve fieldwork, like marketing or sales.

  8. Can someone without a degree have a successful career?
    Yes, especially in entrepreneurship, vocational trades, or creative fields.

  9. What are career hazards in commerce?
    Stress, sitting long hours, dealing with difficult customers, etc.

  10. How can I avoid career hazards?
    Take breaks, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.


Conclusion

  • Teacher summarizes the lesson and addresses unclear areas.

  • Learners submit their evaluation responses.

  • Teacher marks and provides individual feedback.


Assessment (Short Answer Questions)

  1. Define the term career.

  2. List three types of occupation.

  3. Mention four careers under commerce.

  4. State two requirements for becoming an insurance broker.

  5. Give two factors to consider before choosing a career.

  6. Mention one hazard each for a banker and a marketer.

  7. Why is interest important when choosing a career?

  8. List two commercial occupations.

  9. What is the difference between a job and a career?

  10. How can a student prepare for a future career?


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