How can following what you enjoy lead to a career you never expected?

Not many people plan to become an astronaut. In this activity you'll hear from a scientist whose curiosity kept leading her somewhere unexpected – from engineering to nanomaterials to Antarctica to the European Space Agency.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 35 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 25 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes L2, L9, L12, H2
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes L3, L5

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • If you had to pick one subject or activity you enjoy most right now, what would it be - and can you imagine any job connected to it?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

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Meganne Christian - Astronaut

Meganne is a scientist turned astronaut. In this video she talks about how a love of science and problem solving led her from engineering to nanomaterials research, then to a year in Antarctica, and eventually to the European Space Agency. Her career path was anything but linear - and that's the point.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • How many different jobs or roles did Meganne have before she became an astronaut?
  • What moment or experience made her realise she wanted to apply?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing from Meganne's story that made you think differently about how careers develop?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • What were the main steps in Meganne's career path from school to astronaut? Were any of them planned?
  • Meganne says she was worried about choosing the wrong subjects at school. Have you ever felt that pressure? What did you take from her advice about it?
  • Meganne talks about being brave enough to take unexpected opportunities (like Antarctica). What would it take for you to say yes to something outside your comfort zone? What might hold you back?