Career Development
What career is the perfect one for me? The age old question that does not necessarily have a clear-cut answer. "Career development" is a life long process. Successful career planning requires knowledge about many careers and insight into your interests, abilities, and work values. Students will be introduced to different theories regarding career choice and they will be encouraged to make informed decisions regarding their career choice. During high school, students will be encouraged to explore their interests, aptitude, values, and personality. They will be able to explore all of these areas through classroom presentations, online resources, research, class projects, class assignments, job shadows, etc.
Many high school students stress because they must choose "one job" that they will have for a lifetime. However, in today's world that is far from the experience that most will encounter. At Midland High School we strive to help students gain skills and resources that will prepare them to make informed decisions regarding their future.Readers Note: Every fall, all students participate in a career day where they attend at least two career sessions and there are at least 30 different sessions to choose from.
FRESHMEN
Ø All freshmen have the opportunity to take the EXPLORE exam which includes an assessment of interests. The students' interests are grouped in occupation clusters that match their interests. This helps students start thinking about possible careers that might fit them.
Ø Ninth graders also receive some classroom presentations regarding setting goals, and realizing their interest areas. Students also receive some online inventories through the DISCOVER program and the Career Cruising program. In addition, students give oral reports about a career that they’ve learned more about through their activities.
SOPHOMORES
Ø Sophomores have the opportunity to take the PLAN test, which provides a prediction of ACT scores. Like the EXPLORE exam, there is a portion where students survey their career interests. Students are encouraged to compare their occupation results of both exams as a part of their career planning process.
Ø In addition, Sophomores participate in a program entitled “The Real World”. This is a simulated activity where the students explore career opportunities and how those choices affect their lifestyle and how they will be able to live. Many of the situations they encounter in this simulation are very similar to what adults face everyday with budgets, lifestyle, etc.
Ø Sophomores are also introduced to various classroom activities such as values role play and values career inventories. Students also utilize the career programs: DISCOVER and Career Cruising.
JUNIORS
Ø In the junior year the ACT and PSAE exams are taken. The ACT provides students with college entrance exam scores and an additional career assessment. Students may notice a pattern of occupation clusters from the EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT that may help direct them on a career path.
Ø Juniors are introduced to various classroom activities regarding values and personality. Again, the DISCOVER and Career Cruising programs are utilized the explore aptitude and values.
SENIORS
Ø A requirement for successful completion of Senior English is a career research paper. Students take all of the information they have received in high school to help them make future career decisions that are informed.
Ø Seniors have various opportunities to take college days, job shadow days, etc In addition, during their senior or junior year they take part in mock interviews in a career interest area that they have chosen.
Ø Seniors continue to utilize the DISCOVER and the Career Cruising program.
More Career Development
§ Career development is definitely not limited to the above. The skills and knowledge students gain throughout each course taken at Midland High School helps prepare them for the future. Midland is fortunate to have a highly qualified staff and a vocational areas, work force learning, dual credit, and COOP classes, in addition to extracurricular activities, which allow students to explore their interest and skills.
§ In addition, Midland High School offers the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on a volunteer basis to students (sophomore-senior). The test provides valuable aptitude information that may help students with career choices. This test is typically offered in January and is free of charge. Students interested in taking this test should come to the guidance office.
Endnote for students!
§ Your future begins with the choices you make today and everyday after. Take every opportunity to explore your interests, aptitude, values, and personality. The classes, extracurricular activities, hobbies, after school jobs, and your attitude all shape your future. It is a powerful thing when you realize that the choice is all yours!
Some Outside links:
www.acinet.org
www.monster.com