Career Exploration

c a r e e r ex p l o rat i o nfor the future workforce!!!

Career Exploration for Our Future Workforce

¢ŀōƭŜ ƻŦ /ƻƴǘŜƴǘǎ

Career Fair Program

Career Fair BasicsΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦо

The 16 Career ClustersΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦр

Public AnnouncementsΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦт

Press Release SampleΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦу

Prep Questions for Students and Business PartnerǎΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦф

Student Career Fair Interview FormΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмл

Business Partner Career Fair EvaluationΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмм

9ducator Career Fair EvaluationΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмн

Job Shadowing Program

Job Shadowing Program Overview and GoalsΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмп

Job Shadowing Requirements and ResponsibilitiesΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмр

Option FormΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмт

Student ChecklistΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦму

Parent/Guardian Consent Form ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦмф

Student Anticipation FormΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнл

Appointment Confirmation & Details ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнм

Business Confirmation FormΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнн

Business Partner Job Shadow Tips ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦно

Interview QuestionsΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнр

Observation FormΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнт

Reflection Form ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦну

Business Partner Evaluation ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦнф

Student Job Shadow Evaluation ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦол

Sample Thank You Letter ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦом

Guidelines for Addressing Envelopes for Business Correspondence ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦон

Certificate of Completion ΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦΦоо

Career Exploration for Our Future Workforce

References

Missouri Center for Career Education www.missouricareereducation.org

Rockwood School District Partners in Education www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/pie Career Shadowing Career Fair Project Interface

Missouri Economic Research and Information Center www.missourieconomy.org

Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis Job Shadowing Program www.jamvi.org

ABLE (Alliance for Business, Learning, and Education - A Business and Education Partnership) www.stccable.org

National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education www.careertech.org/career-clusters/glance

http://www.missouricareereducation.org/

http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/pie

http://www.missourieconomy.org/

http://www.jamvi.org/

http://www.stccable.org/

http://www.careertech.org/career-clusters/glance

Benefits of Career Exploration Programs

Career Exploration programs are increasingly important for students because it acquaints them with the world of work through on-the-job experiences. Students see practical applications of classroom lessons carried out by professionals and can connect the importance of school work to their future dreams and aspirations. Students have the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to succeed in the real world either by attending a career fair, job shadow, and/or internship.

1. Provides students experiences to become successful managers of their own education and career plans.

a. Powerful motivator for success in school

b. Demonstrates the link between education and future success

2. Job shadowing immerses each student in the world of work, where they can get first-hand information about job

skills and careers.

3. Exposes students the importance of “soft skills” such as - good communication, responsibility, and team work.

4. Builds community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance the educational experience of all

students.

5. Enables businesses and their employees to easily participate in community activity and promotes involvement in

education.

6. Link between schoolwork and real life to help answer the question “Why do I have to learn this?” Enables

students to understand the relevance of what is being taught.

7. Providing exciting reasons why students should stay in school. It creates critical link between education and

success.

8. Businesses and employees connecting with young people to contribute to building a more prepared and focused

workforce of tomorrow.

9. Opportunity for Adults to be a positive roles model.

10. When teachers participate in a career fair and/or job shadowing:

a. Invites teachers to see the modern application of a basic education.

b. Provides up-to-date job examples to share with their students.

c. Enables teachers to see new technologies being used.

11. Showcases the students in the community.

Career Fair & Job Shadowing Program Guide Page 1

Career Fair Program


School Name Career Fair Basics

A Career Fair is an opportunity for students to meet in small groups with business professionals from a variety of fields in which they are interested. While changes in the organization of a career fair may be more conducive to your class or school’s style of learning, the recommendations below are most time-efficient for both the students and business partners, providing an environment encouraging open dialogue and allowing students to explore a variety of career paths in one setting. 1. Set the date as early as possible, paying attention to other school activities already planned (pep rallies,

testing, etc.). Send a “save the date” postcard to new/previous business partner participants as a reminder.

2. Choose the location – gym, auditorium, cafeteria, offsite venue – and secure the space well in advance.

3. Coordinate the Career Fair with your principal and school administration and share date, time, and location with staff.

4. Determine how students will visit business participants (by grade, class, building location, etc.)

5. Determine set-up of event. a. Round tables of 8-10 students work well for engaging in open dialogue and Q&A. Place each

business partner at a table with appropriate signage and have students rotate between pre-assigned career tables in timed intervals.

6. Develop a form or flyer to mail, fax, or hand out to potential exhibitors.

7. Recruit local businesses to participate. a. Identify volunteers to help recruit business partners representing each the 16 Career Clusters. b. Utilize alumni, parents of current students, and partnerships with local organizations to recruit

business partners. c. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask for their assistance in letting their members

know about your event. d. Develop and maintain a spreadsheet and/or database of business participants, including assigned

recruitment volunteer, current contact information, agreement to participate, need for AV or other special equipment, and confirmation of participation just prior to the career fair.


School Name Career Fair Basics

8. Utilize teachers or guidance counselors to prepare students: a. Create and distribute survey to each student participant to determine personal interests/ strengths

based upon the 16 Career Clusters. Instruct students to rank top five career interests. b. Based upon survey feedback, place students in four of their top five career choices. c. Utilize survey results to determine the appropriate amount of business participants needed to

meet the needs of the students. d. Encourage students to dress “business professional” for the day. Prior to the career fair, provide

examples of appropriate/inappropriate dress. e. Practice appropriate questions to ask to business participants. f. Distribute career interview sheets to each student prior to arrival at the career fair.

9. Identify volunteers to assist with the following activities: a. Set up/take down of the venue b. Posting signage c. Creating/distributing student name tags d. Providing refreshments for business participants e. Greeting/directing business participants and students f. Timing length of each session g. Photo/video/media h. Sending thank you letters to business partners i. Developing and reporting on feedback surveys/evaluation forms

10. Designate a central check-in spot for business partners with all information they may need – map,

itinerary, refreshments, restroom locations, etc. Direct students to this check-in with any additional questions.

11. Personally thank each business participant throughout the career fair. Provide a thank you gift (school pen, mug, certificate of appreciation) and send a follow-up thank you within a week following the fair.

12. Complete the student career exploration experience with an assignment following their day at the career fair.


School Name The 16 Career Clusters

Retrieved from http://www.careertech.org/career-clusters/glance/clusters.html

One of the keys to improving student achievement is providing students with relevant contexts for studying and learning. Career Clusters™ do exactly this by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for success in the workplace. The National Career Clusters™ Framework is comprised of 16 Career Clusters™ and related Career Pathways to help students of all ages explore different career options and better prepare for college and career. Each Career Cluster represents a distinct grouping of occupations and industries based on the knowledge and skills they require. The 16 Career Clusters and related Career Pathways provide an important organizing tool for schools to develop more effective programs of study (POS) and curriculum.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.

Architecture & Construction Careers in designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining the built environment.

Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

Business Management & Administration Careers in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations.

Education & Training Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services such as administration, teaching/training, administrative support, and professional support services.

Finance Planning and related services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.

Government & Public Administration Planning and executing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations.

Health Science Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.


School Name The 16 Career Clusters

Retrieved from http://www.careertech.org/career-clusters/glance/clusters.html

Hospitality & Tourism Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as restaurant and food/beverage services, lodging, travel and tourism, recreation, amusement and attractions.

Human Services Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care, and consumer services.

Information Technology Building linkages in IT occupations for entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services.

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Planning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, protective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services.

Manufacturing Planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering.

Marketing Planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives such as brand management, professional sales, merchandising, marketing communications and market research.

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics The planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.


School Name Public Announcements

Career Fair Announcements

We have some exciting news! On (date) at (location) there will be representatives coming to the

school/venue to talk with you about career opportunities. The Career Fair will be from (start time) to

(end time). Your teachers/guidance counselors will be talking more about the Career Fair with you

soon.

The Career Fair will be held next week from (start time) to (end time) in the (location). Your teachers

will be working with you this week in preparation.

Reminder that the Career Fair is tomorrow! Remember to dress business professional and to greet our

guests with a firm handshake, smile and respectful attitude. Thank them for taking the time from their

busy schedules to be with us.

We’d like to welcome all our visitors to today’s Career Fair. Thank you for taking the time to be with us

as we plan for the future. We appreciate you working with us to ensure our students a successful

career fair. Enjoy the day!

Faculty, staff and students, we want to thank you for making the Career Fair a huge success. You

showed great respect to our guests and learned a lot about the importance of early planning for your

career path. A special thanks to (career fair coordinator) for volunteering to play the event for us –

he/she did a great job!


School Name Press Release Sample

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

(SCHOOL NAME) OPENS DOORS TO BUSINESSES AS STUDENTS LEARN

ABOUT PLANNING EARLY FOR CAREER SUCCESS

Students at (School Name) will find out all about what the future can hold for them on (date) at (Location).

Participants from (Number) local businesses will be participating in a career fair to talk to students about their

fields and career exploration and readiness.

Students will spend time interviewing business representatives about their education, skills, training, and

other aspects of their work. (School Name) is located at (Address).

For more information, contact (Career Fair Organizer) at (Phone Number/Email).


School Name Prep Questions for Students and Business Partners

Suggested questions for teachers/counselors to utilize to prepare their students for appropriate questions and/or prepare the business partners for appropriate information to cover during their presentation at the career fair.

1. What is your name and job title? Where do you work?

2. Describe your occupation and responsibilities?

3. What is your educational background?

4. What school subjects would be most helpful to prepare for this career?

5. What work experience did you need and how do you use those skills to do your job?

6. Describe working conditions associated with your position (i.e. physical working conditions, amount of overtime

required, stress level, amount of responsibility, amount of travel time required, etc.)

7. What do you find most difficult/stressful about this position?

8. What kind of clothes do you need to wear for your job? Are uniforms worn? Is protective equipment required?

9. What recommendations do you offer to someone who is interested in entering a similar position?

10. What do you enjoy most about this position?

11. In your opinion, what type of attitude/personality traits/skills are important in order to be successful in this career

field?

12. What opportunities are there for advancement in this field?

13. What communication skills do you need for your job? With customers/clients? With other employees?

14. Describe your role in supervision. Do you supervise other people? How many? What is involved in supervision?

Who supervises your position?

15. What are the starting salaries and educational requirements for people who hold positions similar to yours?

16. What does your company do to encourage its employees to continue their education?

17. Does your company offer internships or job shadowing opportunities? Who is eligible?

18. What are some good ways for students to find out more about this career?

Remember to thank the individual for taking the time to come and talk with you about their career. Give them a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact.


School Name Student Career Fair Interview Form

Presenter’s Name:

Occupation:

Employer:

Session:

1. What are the major responsibilities of your job?

2. What kind of education, training, and experience is required for this job?

3. Describe your working conditions (location, clothing, special tools/equipment, etc.)

4. What do you like most about your job?

5. What do you find most challenging about your job?

6. What recommendations do you have for someone who is interested in entering this field?

7. How can students find out more about this career?


School Name Business Partner Career Fair Evaluation

Please take a few moments to complete the following questions. Your feedback will ensure that our career fair continues to improve each year. Thank you again for your time and participation!

Please rate the following on: Scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

1. The location of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

2. The time of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

3. The date of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

4. The space provided was adequate.

1 2 3 4 5

5. This activity was a good use of my company’s time.

1 2 3 4 5

Why/why not?

6. What suggestions would you offer to make next year more successful?

7. Is your company interested in participating again next year?

Optional

Name:

Company:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Email:


School Name Educator Career Fair Evaluation

Please take a few moments to complete the following questions. Your feedback will ensure that our career fair continues to improve each year. Thank you again for your time and participation!

Please rate the following on: Scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

1. The location of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

2. The time of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

3. The date of the career fair was convenient.

1 2 3 4 5

4. The space provided was adequate.

1 2 3 4 5

5. Did you feel the career fair was a good learning experience for you and your students? Why or why not?

6. What type of activities could we provide to make this a more meaningful educational activity?

7. How did you encourage students to participate this year?

Optional

Name:

Company:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Email:


Job Shadowing Program


School Name Job Shadowing Program Overview and Goals

Job Shadowing is an opportunity for students to connect or “shadow” with a business professional that has specific

knowledge about an occupation or career and industry in which they are interested. Observing responsibilities and tasks

associated with the business professional’s career and having the opportunity to ask questions about the knowledge,

skills, and talents, and level of education required for the job.

While the purpose of job shadowing is to gather career related information and expand networking contacts, it also

allows students to build interviewing skills, become aware of trends in the field and see workforce technologies in

action. Multiple job shadowing experiences may be arranged to allow students to explore a variety of career paths.

Job Shadow Program Experiences May:

Provide opportunities to personal expand a students’ awareness of a career path.

Increase the students’ knowledge to an insight into the academic, technical, and “soft/personal” skills required

by a particular occupation.

Demonstrates that the entire community is committed to each student’s education.

Prepare students to be productive in the future workforce.

Provide valuable networking contacts for students to utilize when conducting actual job search.

Give students an edge in future interviews by having inside knowledge not known by other competition.

Enhance communication among business, high school, families, and students.

Assist students to make the link between learning and earning and can be a powerful motivator to be successful

in school.

Helps students become successful managers of their own education and career path.

Program Goals

Job Shadowing is designed to explore further interest in a career. Students that are engaged in this activity are designed

to plan, execute, and report upon an authentic, meaningful job shadowing experience. The expectation of the job

shadowing experience is that all students will:

Continue exploration of career choices.

Indentify individual interests and questions concerning the student’s preliminary career decisions.

Enhances the connection of classroom learning with real world applications.

Identify and observe appropriate work ethics and their importance in the work environment.

Encourage students to attain higher levels of achievement.


School Name Job Shadowing Requirements and Responsibilities

Job Shadowing Requirements

1. Students must job shadow a minimum of 4 hours.

2. Students must job shadow someone in their career interest.

3. Students must job shadow someone other than parent or guardian.

4. Student must complete all necessary documentation listed under major responsibilities.

5. Job Shadowing can take place:

a. Any Saturday or Sunday

b. After school hours and/or evening

c. Days that school is closed (e.g., Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, etc.)

d. Winter and spring Break

e. Students CANNOT take a day off of school to Job Shadow.

6. Students must have a GPA of at least a .

School Program Administrator/Advisor Major Responsibilities

1. Manage the Job Shadowing Program.

2. Maintain and provide all necessary job shadowing forms and timelines for student completions. Timelines can

be: September – Student Orientation, October – Student Options Selected, November through March –

Scheduling Job Shadows, April – Completions.

3. Presentation to Students at Orientation about the Job Shadow Program and provide Job Shadowing Packets.

4. Establish and maintain business partnerships for job shadowing opportunities.

5. Maintain business partnership database and re-evaluate every quarter or 6 months business contacts and other

important information.

6. Maintain marketing and program packets for business partners to promote job shadow program for

participation and responsibilities.

7. Provide presentations to the community, parents, and administrators about the job shadowing program and

maintain any marketing collaterals to keep awareness of this program.

8. Maintain knowledge of school schedule so it won’t conflict with job shadowing experience (e.g., school closings,

special events, pep rallies, testing weeks, dances, etc.).

9. Meet with students to provide further clarification and expectations of the job shadowing experience.

10. Be available to students to answer any questions or provide assistance during the job shadowing experience.

11. Collect all appropriate documents for each student to start the job shadowing experience.

12. Initial Business Partner contact to confirm job shadowing assignment for each student.

13. Contact each business partner at the conclusion of the job shadowing experience and have the business partner

complete evaluation.

14. Meet with student to discuss job shadowing experience. Multiple job shadowing experiences may be arranged

to allow students to explore a variety of career paths if time allows and warranted.

15. Provide a certificate of completion to student when all requirements have been met.


School Name Job Shadowing Requirements and Responsibilities

Student’s Major Responsibilities

1. Participate in a minimum of 4 hours in a job shadowing experience.

2. Have a GPA of .

3. Select one of the three options listed on the “Option Form” and submit to the administrator/advisor.

4. Once approved by the administrator/advisor, student will complete the following on the “Student Checklist”

form by designated deadlines and follow proper behavior and dress code.

5. After job shadowing experience, student will meet with administrator/advisor and turn in all necessary

completed forms to receive a certificate of completion.

6. Student may have an opportunity to job shadow multiple times if time allows and warranted.

Parent’s Major Responsibilities

1. Discuss future career interest with his/her teen.

2. Review with his/her teen job shadowing locations that reflect teen’s career interests.

3. Attend a Job Shadowing Informational meeting.

4. Assist his/her teen in selection of a job shadowing option on the “Option form.”

5. Complete any necessary forms for his/her teen to participate in the Job Shadowing Program.

6. Discuss appropriate behavior and attire before the job shadowing experience.

7. Provide, if necessary, transportation to the job shadowing meeting.

Business Partner Major Responsibilities

1. Communicate and confirm job shadowing with school administrator/advisor and student including appropriate

dress, directions, time, and lunch accommodations (if needed).

2. Provide a minimum of four hours for job shadowing experience.

3. Provide opportunities for observing the daily operations of the workplace.

4. Instruct the student in proper safety procedures of the workplace.

5. Provide opportunity for question/answer session focusing on performance expectations.

6. Discuss the level of education required for employment within the industry.

7. Complete and submit an evaluation form to the high school.


School Name Option Form

Student Name: Student ID Number: Advisor: Campus:

Options for Fulfilling the Job Shadowing Requirements Understanding that the students at (School Name) have different needs, we have established three options.

Option 1- Student Initiated

The student knows his/her career interest and knows someone working in that career. The student contacts the job shadowing site representative, arranges the visitation and transportation to the site, and completes all necessary paperwork associated with the job shadowing experience.

Option 2- School Assisted

The student knows his/her career interest but does not know anyone working in that career. The school supplies the student with a contact person and phone number. The student contacts the job shadowing site, arranges the visitation and transportation to the site, and completes all necessary paperwork associated with the job shadowing experience.

Option 3-School Initiated

The job shadowing experience will be conducted on (date).

The school contacts the job shadowing site and arranges the visitation and transportation to the site. The student completes all necessary paperwork associated with the job shadowing experience.

Students may not receive their first career choice. Some professions are not available for option 3.

I have selected the following option for my Job Shadowing experience: Option One Option Two Option Three If you choose Option Two or Option Three list 2 or 3 career interests related to your Career Cluster: 1. 2. 3. Student Signature:

Return this form to your Advisor on or before (date). More information will be distributed after your choice is made.


School Name Student Checklist

Student Name: Advisor Name: Career Cluster (Check One):

Hospitality & Tourism Education & Training

Human Services Architecture & Construction

Health Science Marketing

Manufacturing Finance

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security

Government & Public Administration Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Business Management & Administration

Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Information Technology

STEP ONE: PREPARE for the Job Shadow Visit

1. Contact Advisor to initiate job shadow process & confirm job shadow appointment (exact time, date, and location).

2. Complete the following forms before your job shadow:

Business Confirmation Form Parent/Guardian Contact Form Student Anticipation Form 3. Contact Business Partner to confirm job shadow appointment day before job shadow.

Use Appointment Confirmation & Details Form for call.

4. Take Parent/Guardian Contact Form, Interview Questions, and Observation form to the job shadow to record findings.

STEP TWO: DURING your Job Shadow Experience

1. Complete Observation form describing the skills you observed in this career.

2. Complete Interview Questions form with responses from your job shadow host.

3. Bring notebook to take additional notes on findings.

STEP THREE: AFTER your Job Shadow Experience

1. Complete the Reflection Form.

2. Complete the Student Job Shadow Evaluation.

3. Write a Thank You letter to your job shadow host. (Use reference sheets for example)

4. Turn in final forms to your advisor by (date) to receive completion certificate:

Completed Observation Form Completed Interview Questions Completed Reflection Form Completed Student Job Shadow Evaluation Completed Thank You Letter Completed Business Partner Evaluation (if not being mailed)

Proper behavior at the workplace: Be reliable, prompt, and honest.

Have a positive attitude –be friendly, courteous, polite, and cooperative with workers and clients.

Notify the appropriate supervisor (your job shadow host) if you have to reschedule.

If you do not understand something, ask questions or ask for help.

How to Dress for Job Shadowing: Students are expected to be well groomed and to wear appropriate attire for most business/industry programs. Please refer to your student handbook for appropriate dress guidelines for school. Make sure to ask employers about their dress code, refer to information received during your confirmation phone call.


School Name Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Permission to Participate in Workplace Job Shadowing

My son/daughter, , may participate in a Job Shadowing experience which Name

will take place at Business

located at Address with Phone Number Contact Person

on Between the time of a.m. and p.m. Date Printed Parent/Guardian name Parent/Guardian phone number Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Travel to the Workplace

I understand that my son/daughter, , will be responsible for his/her Name own transportation to and from the Job Shadowing site. Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Photo Release

I grant the workplace permission to photograph my son/daughter, , Name for promotional and educational purposes. Yes No Signature of Parent/Guardian Date


School Name Student Anticipation Form

Imagine what your career exploration site will be like by answering the following questions. After your Job Shadow, compare your thoughts to the actual experience to see if it was what your expected or not.

1. What do you think your supervisor needs to know to do his/her job well?

2. What do you think the atmosphere will be like at the worksite?

3. What do you think your supervisor does on a typical day?

4. What do you think you will learn?


School Name Appointment Confirmation & Details

Before contacting the employer, make sure that you have received the following from your advisor: business partner’s full name and contact number. In addition, make sure you contact them at a convenient time. For example, do not call after business hours or during peak hours. 1. Introduce yourself, your school, and your purpose for calling. Hello, is available please? (business partner name) Hi my name is . I am a student at (name of school) and have received confirmation from my advisor that I will be job shadowing at your company. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to spend time with you in your business setting to observe the workplace and interview you to learn more about the occupation. This will help me make informed decisions for my future. Can I confirm a few items with you regarding my job shadow? 2. Confirm the following information before you hang up. Date of the job shadow: Beginning and ending times of the job shadow: Name of the business you are shadowing: Address of the job shadow: Phone and e-mail address: Dress code for Job Shadow: Special Instructions (safety gear, items to bring, meal plans): If traveling in a company vehicle, please list insurance agency: 3. Conclude the call by extending thanks and reconfirming appointment. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you at on to Job Shadow. (Business Name) (Date) Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your experience, and why you have chosen this career.


School Name Business Confirmation Form

Complete all information and turn in to your as part of your “required documentation.” Name: ___________________________________ Advisor: ID: ______________________________________ Campus: Career Interest: Job Shadow/Business Site Company Name: Contact Person: Title: Address: Phone: E-mail: Directions to Site: Scheduled Date of Job Shadow: Start Time: End Time: Meal Plans: Transportation Arrangements: Special Instructions (dress code, safety gear, etc.):

Any Questions or Concerns, Contact:

Advisor Information


School Name Business Partner Job Shadow Tips

Here are some ideas to help make your day as job shadow host a success:

1. Find out if your employer participates in job shadowing and if there any current policies in place regarding student visitors. (For example, some activity suggestions offered here may not always be appropriate in regards to client confidentiality.)

2. If it’s a union environment, seek its involvement in your planning.

3. Find out some information about your student visitors (grade level, interests, etc.) from the school in advance,

so you can plan your comments and activities accordingly.

4. Use a check-off sheet to see if you’ve covered everything.

5. Be patient – it’s hard to do your work, answer questions and be good host at the same time!

6. Only take as many students as you can handle.

7. Emphasize the positive in your conversations but always be honest and straightforward. Most of all, be yourself!

8. Have fun!!

IDEAS for Structuring Your Day

Start the day with an orientation and introductions.

1. Tell student(s) a little about yourself and ask them some questions as well. Talk about:

a. Your professional background b. Describe your “typical” day and be prepared to field questions regarding salaries, promotions,

schooling, etc. c. Talk about your career path and why you chose to pursue it. d. If possible, introduce your guest to someone at the partner/manager level e. Anything you can do to “break the ice” and make the student feel welcome and at ease with you and

your colleagues – this way they are more likely to ask questions. f. Have the student ask you what they would like answered or would like to see during the visit.

Give a Tour

1. Give the student a tour of your office or business and explain the roles of each person to which they are introduced.

2. Try to interact with your co-workers on all levels to give the student a good overview of how your company runs (firm/company culture).

3. Give an overview of what your firm/business does and how it affects the local or regional community.


School Name Business Partner Job Shadow Tips Suggested Activities

1. Plan to allow the student to do some limited, hands-on tasks (make sure you closely supervise) and try to invoke

conversation that will let he/she participate.

2. Plan to review a small job with someone who reviews your work or whose work you supervise.

3. Call a client – Either answer your phone calls while the student(s) are at your desk or set aside a phone call you

need to make.

4. Show off your computer programs.

5. Help your student visitor learn as he/she observes. Don’t assume that they know.

6. Use language that the student can understand and try to avoid technical jargon.

7. Stress the importance of promptness, attendance, appropriate personal appearance and attire and a positive

work ethic.

8. If opportunity arises, take the student(s) with lunch and invite a co-worker to lunch along with the student(s).

Some Other Ways to Help You Relate to Students

1. Explain how your work relates to classes they might be taking in school such as math, accounting, and

business courses.

2. Share examples of your daily routine that incorporates skills they are learning such as communication, logic,

computers, or writing.

3. Tell the student about yourself, where you went to school, some work and college experiences (internships,

your first job, etc.) and why you chose your career.

4. Explain the important aspects of your work and how they relate to other jobs within the firm or company.

5. Explain what you like about your job as well as some of the disadvantages to your career.

6. Keep in mind these are only suggested guidelines. Each job shadow experience is unique. Plan a day that works

for you and your firm or company.


School Name Interview Questions

Interview your job shadow host using the questions below. Write your host’s responses in the spaces provided. You may include questions based on our research, either confirming information gathered or enhancing information.

1. How would you describe a typical day at your job?

2. a. What do you like most about your work?

b. What do you like least about your work?

3. If you could change something about your work, what would it be?

4. In what way are the following work habits important for this job?

a. Following directions:

b. Being accurate:

c. Participating as a team member:

d. Working independently:

5. What products or services does your business provide to the community?


School Name Interview Questions

6. How has technology affected this job?

7. How do you think this job will change in the next five years? The next ten years?

8. What education, skills, and training do you need for this job?

9. What are your job responsibilities?

10. What are some careers that are related to yours?

11. What advice would you give to a high school student interested in this profession?

12. What kinds of behavior can an employee get fired at this place of business?

13. What is the salary range for this job?

Additional information or Comments


School Name Observation Form

Student Name:

Advisor Name:

Check the skills observed during your job shadow and describe the tasks or duties your job shadow host was completing as part of his or her work. Identify a minimum of seven (7) skills. Example: Organizing Construction foreman coordinates delivery of concrete and other supplies. Organizing Planning Making Decisions Thinking Creatively Analyzing Problems Reading Writing Math Science Art Technology Speaking Listening Cooperating with Others Customer Service Additional Observations


School Name Reflection Form

Student Name: ID: Advisor: Career Interest: Date of Job Shadow: Name of Person Shadowed: Title: Business Name: Phone:

Use complete sentences to respond to the following items. Attach paper if necessary.

Explain three things you learned from this experience:

1.

2.

3.

In a paragraph, evaluate what you liked most about the job you observed. Provide three examples to support your evaluation:

Decide whether you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Certain elements of the job shadow experience surprised me.” In a paragraph, support your position with two examples from your experience.

Explain why you would or would not like this job. Provide two examples to support your conclusion.

Student Signature Date:

Advisor Signature Date: Parent Signature Date:


School Name Business Partner Evaluation

Student Name: _________________________ Evaluator/Business Partner Name: ________________________ Business Name: _________________________ Phone Number: ________________________

1. Was the student on time for the job site? Yes No 2. Was the student appropriately dressed? Yes No

3. Was the student’s conduct appropriate? Yes No

If not, please explain:

4. Would you be willing to offer another student the same opportunity? Yes No If not, please explain:

5. Please list any strengths and/or weaknesses you observed in this student. Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Please indicate any suggestions for improving the (School Name) Job Shadowing Program:

Thank you for taking the time to help the student in this program. Your responses will be used to improve the program in the future. Please return the form to: (Advisor Name, School Name, Address & Fax number)


School Name Student Job Shadow Evaluation

CONGRATULATIONS on completing your JOB SHADOW! Let us know what you thought about it. Your evaluation will help us improve future job shadows. Rate the following on a scale of 1 to 6 1 - means that you strongly AGREE with the statement 6 - means you strongly DISAGREE with the statement

Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree

My job shadow helped me think about career options 1 2 3 4 5 6

I learned what the general expectations are for being a good employee

1 2 3 4 5 6

I learned what skills are needed to perform my host’s job 1 2 3 4 5 6

My host was helpful and informative during my job shadow

1 2 3 4 5 6

I enjoyed my job shadow 1 2 3 4 5 6

My job shadow helped me see how school is important to my future plans

1 2 3 4 5 6

For Future Job Shadows: How could the job shadow experience be improved?

Would you recommend the job shadow experience to other students? Why or why not?

Any additional comments?

Based on the job shadow you just completed, circle the statement that best describes how you feel. If I could do another job shadow (select one):

I would like it to be a different job in the same industry

I would like it to be the same job in a different industry

I would like it to be a different job in a different industry

If I could, I would like to return to my job shadow site for a longer period of time to learn more about this job and the industry: Yes No

Career Fair & Job Shadowing Program Guide 30

School Name Sample Thank You Letter

Your Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone Date Mr. Bugs Bunny ACME Engineering 111 S. Main Street Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Dear Mr. Bunny: Introduction Paragraph: Thank your host for the opportunity to do the job shadow. Thank you for allowing me to job shadow you last Thursday. I truly enjoyed myself and learned a lot about being a civil engineer. Everyone in your office, and in the field, was very helpful and friendly. Body Paragraph: Describe some of the things you learned as a result of the job shadow and the effect it has had on your future goals and/or career and education plans. I learned so much about the field of engineering. I never knew there were so many kinds of engineers: civil, architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, etc. I especially enjoyed designing trusses using the computer. I never would have imagined trusses could be so fun! This experience has opened up a lot of options for me to consider as I plan my future. Conclusion Paragraph: Add any additional comments you have and thank them again for the opportunity. As we discussed, I would be very interested in working with your company on any special projects, as an intern or part-timer employment in the summer. Thank you for spending time with me and helping me learn more about my options. Sincerely, (Sign name here) Sally Jones (typed first and last name) ***This is a sample letter. Do not use the same text!***


School Name Guidelines for Addressing Envelopes for Business Correspondence

Your first and last name U.S.

Address Postage City, State and Zip Code Stamp Mr. or Ms. First and Last Name Employer/Company Address City, State and Zip Code

No. 10 Business Envelope

Typed or neatly printed Size 12 font or black ink

Words spelled out, such as: street, lane, avenue, drive

City, State and Zip

Example: Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Comma after city Ensure you use correct abbreviation for state No punctuation after the state; only a space and the zip code


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5903 Suemandy Road • St. Peters, MO 63376(636) 970-6316 • Fax: (636) 970-1381

www.gibsonprinting.com

Printed by:


Presented by

Class of 2012Sara Brenker, Bobbie Garstang, Sherry Gibson, Mark Hollander, Elizabeth Liebel,

Kasey Lucas, Tara Osseck, Susan Sams


Career Exploration

Documents

Transcript of Career Exploration