Exploration
1. Take the Career Coach assessment
Have students use Lightcast Career Coach to take a brief assessment to match careers with their interests while also providing up-to-date, local data on wages, employment, job postings and associated Tri-C education and training.
2. Research two to three career paths
Instruct students to use the Federal Reserve's Occupational Mobility Explorer Tool and choose the path they prefer. (Combine this with O*NET for a deeper dive into a target career, and then have students write about what they learned. Additionally, the student could reflect on what they are learning about themselves through this research. Do they remain interested? Why is this field compelling to them? What values and interests align for them in pursuing this field?)
3. Watch Roadtrip Nation
Roadtrip Nation is a career exploration platform and PBS series that connects people with inspiring professionals through documentaries to help them find fulfilling careers. Have students watch this trailer and write a reflection.
Preparation
4. Complete an informational interview
An informational interview is a student-led conversation with a professional in a specific job, career field, industry or organization. The purpose of this assignment is for students to gain firsthand insight into a career of interest while developing professional communication and networking skills. This is not a job interview but a learning-focused discussion guided by the student's questions.
5. Update their Handshake account*
Handshake is a powerful career platform for college students. With access to over 1 million employers, Handshake provides personalized job and internship recommendations, virtual career fairs, career advice and direct connections. Every student already has an account in Handshake based on their S-Number.
Have students follow the steps below and submit a screenshot of their profile. For a deeper dive, ask students to share three work experiences they are interested in and why, and potentially draft a resume to apply to these jobs.
6. Work with us to plan a Mock Interview Day
We will work with you to bring in employers from your field and industry to facilitate mock interviews for students and give real-time feedback. This creates a safe place for students to practice the critical skills of networking and writing thank-you notes.
7. Host a resume and cover letter workshop
Reserve a computer lab and invite a Career Success Coach to guide students through developing resumes and cover letters. Students should bring a job description for a position they're interested in applying for, which will be used to create their resume and cover letter. Those unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to schedule a one-on-one resume and cover letter review with a Career Peer.
8. Complete a coaching session*
Have students schedule a coaching session in Handshake. Ask them to summarize the appointment and share one to two next steps. Appointment types include interview prep (mock interviews) and LinkedIn assistance.
Experience
9. Attend a career event within their school or academy or attend a networking event
Assign students to attend an applicable career event. Have them submit a reflection statement about their experience and share any next steps.
10. Embed an experiential learning project
Work with your school's Career Success Coaches to develop a real-world project in partnership with local employers that can be added to your curriculum.
*Handshake and Career Coaching sessions are always appropriate, at any level.
