Abstract:

In today’s rapidly changing landscape of automation, robots, and artificial intelligence, navigating careers can feel like flying blind. People often don’t understand the role of human work in an age of quickly evolving technology. The Individual Career Mapping (ICM) process is a comprehensive career development tool designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of the job market and make informed career decisions. The integration of simulation and immersive technologies in educational contexts offers transformative potential for career exploration and development. This study evaluates the implementation of these technologies within Nevada's SANDI (Supporting and Advancing Nevada’s Dislocated Individuals) Framework, focusing on the ICM process. The primary objective is to assess how these immersive simulations enhance user engagement and decision-making in career planning.

The research leverages advanced virtual reality (VR) experiences to provide realistic simulations of various job environments. These tools are integrated into academic, school, and public libraries across Nevada, making the same set of focused career development resources accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews, usage statistics, and direct observations to collect data on user engagement and satisfaction.

Key findings indicate that simulation and immersive technologies significantly improve career exploration by offering realistic job simulations, thereby supporting more informed career decisions. The ICM process is designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of the job market and make informed career decisions. It leverages cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality career exploration, a career readiness assessment focusing on individuals' computational thinking capacity to help identify aligned career opportunities, and study for the National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC).

The data reveals an increase in the usage of the ICM process and tools, with a notable rise in user satisfaction and engagement from success taking the Career Readiness Assessment because it correlates to NCRC attainment. The research also highlights the substantial growth in VR field trip participation and the creation of user profiles on the Nevada Career Explorer platform, a career information database tailored to highlight in-demand and resilient industries in Nevada.

The study concludes that simulation and immersive technologies have the potential to democratize career exploration, breaking down access barriers and providing equitable opportunities for career advancement. These technologies not only enhance user engagement but also align with cognitive principles of active learning, skill development, and continuous adaptation. By addressing the initial challenges such as the cost of technology and the need for regular updates, the research presents a comprehensive strategy for leveraging emerging technologies to meet the evolving demands of the 21st-century job market.

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of advanced technologies in education, advocating for their broader adoption to enhance career and labor market literacy and development.

Keywords:

Simulation technologies, Immersive technologies, Career exploration, Individual Career Mapping (ICM), Nevada Career Explorer platform, SANDI (Supporting and Advancing Nevada’s Dislocated Individuals), Workforce development, engagement, Career Readiness Assessment, Job market, labor market literacy.