How Schools Are Using Study Periods for Career Exploration

Time is always tight. Between classes, excursions, and everything else packed into the school day, careers often get squeezed to the edges. But one of the easiest ways to give students a quiet moment to think about their future is already built in: study periods.

We’re not talking about big, structured sessions—just the simple act of handing a student a headset and letting them explore. No pressure. No bells and whistles. Just a quiet bit of time to look into something that might spark their interest.

A Student picking up a Quest Virtual Reality headset, ready to use Work Window

Why Study Periods Work with Work Window

They’re calm. They’re low-key. And they work on the student’s schedule.

Here’s why they’re a great fit:

Students can take their time, no one’s rushing them
No need to interrupt scheduled classes
No extra prep required from staff
Great for students who like to explore things on their own

This isn’t meant to replace what you’re already doing with Work Window—it’s a simple way to add to it.

How to Give It a Go

We’ve seen this work well in careers offices, libraries, or anywhere a student can sit with a headset.

Set aside a headset or two in an easy-to-access space
Let students know they can drop in during their study period
Help them choose a career experience (or let them pick one themselves)
Check in afterwards with a quick chat or prompt, if you like

That’s it. It doesn’t need to be formal or fancy.

A Quiet Shift in Direction

At Lourdes Hill College, Careers Counsellor Richelle Staley shared how one of her students—originally set on physiotherapy—discovered clinical exercise physiology. After trying both through Work Window, she realised the latter felt like a better fit.

It wasn’t a huge moment. Just a quiet shift in thinking. And that’s often all it takes.

Need a Hand?

Optional Booking Sheet Template (Spreadsheet)
If you want to keep things a little more structured, this sign-up sheet lets students reserve time slots during their study periods.
Headset Info Card (PDF for Print & Display)
A small sign you can place next to the headset to help students get started on their own, with a few simple instructions and contact info if they get stuck.