Step Three: My Awareness
"How can I learn more about certain careers I'm interested in?"So you think you’d like to pursue a career path. Take some time to explore the particulars about the career: What is a typical day like? What is the work environment? Is the job fast-paced? Do you sit at a desk all day? What can you expect to earn after 5-years on the job? Sometimes you need to do some digging to uncover the ‘hidden’ aspects of the job.
Even though you’re still in school, you can do some of this research right here in the Columbus area:
Informational Interviews, Company Tours and Job Shadowing:
Many local employers allow students to visit their place of work and talk to current employees about their jobs. If you’d like to pursue a similar experience, contact your school guidance counselor or look to these employers for more information: Employer List
Career Fairs and College Fairs:
Attend as many of these as you can to learn about different occupations and the suggested majors for these careers. Your High School Guidance Counselor should have information on fairs being offered in your area.
Student Organizations:
Join clubs such as FFA, FBLA and The Boy Scouts of America’s Venturing Program… just to name a few. Students can also participate in regional Skills USA competitions for real-world work experience. Getting involved in student organizations can give you practical experience with your career interests. Plus, employers sometimes look at your extra-curricular involvement to assess your people skills.
School Courses:
Check out the list below for career exploration courses and activities available at area schools.
- Occupations Class – Course offered to Columbus High School seniors to explore careers and develop their job preparation skills such as interviewing, preparing a resume, etc.
- BECI Course – Lakeview students have the opportunity to do in-depth research on careers as a part of this course.
- Guest Speakers and Field Trips – Outside speakers will often agree to come into a classroom and speak to students about their profession. Instructors can also arrange for the class to visit a business and learn more about the careers available there.
- NebTrain – This state-of-the art interactive CD-ROM/Internet training helps develop a skill or explore what’s required for many of today’s top jobs. Subject areas include electrical, information technology, management, mechanical, Microsoft operating systems, PC skills, quality control and others. Training is delivered via CD-Rom and you can learn more by visiting their website: www.nebtrain.cccneb.edu
- Tech Prep – Many of the courses available in school will help you develop and practice the skills you need in your desired field. Additionally, some courses are part of the Central Community College Tech Prep program and will give you college credit. Talk to your guidance counselor about any of the following vocational courses:
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Business
- Computers
- Drafting
- Electronics
- Family and Consumer Science
- Machine Tool
- Metals
- Welding
- Manufacturing Linkages Program – This Columbus High School program integrates academic skill standards into manufacturing career majors which results in a certificate of proficiency. The program is coordinated through Columbus High School as one of only five schools selected nationally to develop this program. For more information on how you can participate in this program contact Columbus High School.
- FutureForce Nebraska – This Nebraska team, which includes government, colleges, universities, high schools and businesses, seeks to develop career pathways in high growth areas of the economy. Models include academic and career skills needed for entry and advancement in a variety of careers, including health occupations, transportation, industrial manufacturing, engineering and biotechnology. The models include entry points for adults as well as traditional students. For more information visit www.FutureForceNebraska.org.
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