CERIC launches Career Myth Buster Quiz to help students separate career fact from fiction

As Canada marks Career Month, CERIC has launched the Career Myth Buster quiz, a new interactive tool designed to help high school students – and those who support them – challenge persistent misconceptions about career development and planning.

Developed in collaboration with Vox Pop Labs and myBlueprint, the quiz engages students through a series of thought-provoking questions that prompt reflection and discussion about how careers really unfold. It encourages youth to see that careers are lifelong, not one decision in their teens, while helping normalize uncertainty, relieve pressure and foster confidence in their ability to adapt and make informed choices in school, work and life.

A timely tool for youth navigating change

The launch comes at a pivotal time. Youth unemployment in Canada has climbed to its highest level since 2010 (outside of the pandemic), while advances in artificial intelligence are beginning to impact entry-level work and the skills students need to thrive. At the same time, mental health concerns among youth continue to rise, with growing numbers of students reporting anxiety about their futures.

“These realities make it even more important to equip students with the perspective that career development is a journey of exploration,” says CERIC Executive Director Kay Castelle. “The Career Myth Buster quiz helps young people – and the adults guiding them – see that uncertainty and change are not barriers but essential parts of how careers evolve.”

Built on insight from students and educators

The tool was informed by focus groups and surveys with Grade 9–12 students, educators and guidance counsellors across Canada. These conversations revealed that career myths remain deeply entrenched, including the belief that:

• Making a “wrong” career choice could ruin their future

• Top grades alone determine success

• A university degree is the only path to a good career

• They must find their passion before choosing a direction

• Only certain careers allow them to make a difference

By challenging these assumptions, the quiz promotes a more empowering and realistic view of career development – one that embraces exploration, growth and multiple pathways to success.

Partnerships supporting confidence and clarity

The Career Myth Buster Quiz is hosted on DegreeHub.com, with plans to expand access through the myBlueprint platform, which reaches more than 360 school districts and over one million students across Canada.

“Students today face immense pressure to have their entire future mapped out. At myBlueprint, our goal is to empower them, not overwhelm them. The Career Myth Buster quiz is a crucial tool to combat that anxiety by reassuring students that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It provides a fantastic starting point for more meaningful conversations between students, their parents and their teachers. We are incredibly proud to partner with CERIC and Vox Pop Labs on an initiative that replaces fear and uncertainty with confidence and clarity.”

— Gil Silberstein, President & Co-Founder, myBlueprint

“At Vox Pop Labs, we’re committed to helping people navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence. The Career Myth Buster quiz reflects our commitment to supporting fact-based public discourse – especially on issues that shape the next generation. We’re proud to partner with CERIC and MyBlueprint to help students separate myth from reality and approach their career journeys with greater confidence.”

— Jessica Nordlander, Chief Operating Officer, Vox Pop Labs

Helping spark meaningful conversations

Designed for flexibility, the quiz can be used:

• In the classroom as a reflection activity or discussion starter

• In guidance counselling sessions to uncover beliefs and open conversation

• At home to help parents and caregivers support exploration without pressure

Each quiz result invites students to explore new perspectives and resources to continue their career learning journey.

The Career Myth Buster quiz is available now at careermythbuster.ca.