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Career Exploration Series

As part of the state’s school-to-career program, we’ve filmed nine videos that bring the career clusters concept to life. They’re called, “Is This You?” We took our cameras into Connecticut companies and followed young people that your kids can relate to, on the job.
     Each tape covers one of the career clusters in a fast-moving, real-world approach that your students will think is “cool.”
     For the first time, you can bring the world of work right into your schools to show how school work connects to life-work. The videos candidly explore the positives and realities of each job from the perspectives of the young people actually doing them.
     We cover some traditional jobs that everyone will recognize and some unusual careers too. And each tape includes positions requiring a high school education, some for college grads and those requiring an advanced degree. Communication skills and teamwork are also emphasized in every program. We even tell the salary ranges for each job and Web sites your students can go to for more information.

     The brand-new videos, flexible curriculum materials designed for both large- and small-group instruction, and additional online resources create a comprehensive package that may be used in a wide variety of instructional settings. We recommend that you preview the video and select those student activities in advance that best suit the needs of your students. All teacher directions are included here for your convenience. Take a Career Exploration in:

Arts & Media

Government,
Education &
Human Services

Business & Finance

Retail, Tourism,
Recreation &
Entrepreneurial

Construction
Technologies
& Design

Technologies:
Manufacturing,
Communications
& Repair

Environmental,
Natural Resources
& Agriculture

Health &
Biosciences

There is more information available for two areas where there is a very high demand:

What to do: Create an easy and enjoyable learning experience that can informally introduce students and teachers to business and industry. For example, send one of your employees to speak to a group of students at a local school and demonstrate your products. Or, participate in a local job or career fair, in which you can meet students informally and give them information about your company. In any case, let students mix with your employees — that’s when the learning begins. We've even created a series of industry-specific materials that employers (and educators) can use to help introduce students to the many careers in those fields.

Duration: Individual events and presentations can be brief, but you can participate in any of these types of activities many times over many years.

Students’ grade level: Appropriate for any age group when tailored to their interests and abilities.

Benefits of Career Explorations

Students will:

  • Learn about different jobs and careers at your company.
  • Identify their personal interests, skills and abilities.
  • Understand the variety of academic, work and communication skills that you require.
  • Challenge their views of different jobs and careers.
  • Understand the connection between school, work, and setting and achieving goals.

Keys for Employers

  • Make sure you review and confirm event details with the school, including their expectations for your presentation.
  • Identify employees who are comfortable and can communicate easily with young people.
  • Ask your employee(s) to talk about today’s jobs, other career opportunities in your business or industry, the types of education and skills needed to succeed, typical work schedules, and salaries.
  • If you bring students to your workplace, make sure you:
    • Make the school aware of any special requirements, dress code or safety gear; and
    • Provide directions, travel time and parking information.
  • Relax and have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programs Involving Students

Career Exploration

Employability Skills Training

Field Trips/ Company Tours

Job Shadowing

Internships

Mentoring

Programs Involving Educators

Externships for Educators

Company Visits