Exploring Career Pathways

Other Ways to Explore Career Preparation

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Listen to business presentations
Hearing representatives of business speaking to classes or student organizations.

Participate in company tours
Touring businesses or portions of businesses.

Participate in field trips
Scheduling a group or series of groups to observe any aspect of the business the employer wishes to share. Time commitment would generally range between one and three hours, and would include a discussion about the business and any expectations the business would have of prospective employees.

Attend career fairs
Visiting booths and/or speakers, obtaining company brochures or observing demonstrations.

Participate in job shadowing
Offering opportunities for students and educators to follow/observe all aspects of the industry (or as many as are practical).

Work with a mentor
Agreeing to serve on a one-to-one level with a business/industry professional for the purpose of understanding the world of work in terms of the mentor's profession, as well as alternative careers within that profession or industry.

Participate in internships
Providing an extended learning experience (from days to weeks) for students or educators in which they are given the opportunity to learn and perform as many real tasks as possible, under supervision.

Enroll in apprenticeships
Participating in an extensive on-the-job learning experience which builds upon prior worksite and academic foundations. This experience could utilize existing curricula and labor management guidelines, if available, but could also be developed using school, agency, and community college resources. Generally, apprenticeship experiences are articulated with secondary, post-secondary, and apprenticeship curricula, resulting in credit awarded, if student performance warrants.

How can you evaluate educational options beyond high school?

Community College/4-Year Institutions/Other

1. Visit a school or program before making a decision to attend. Use resources such as software programs (College View and Counseling for High Skills), videotapes, catalogs, and Internet.
2. Call or go to the admissions office and get an application packet.
   • Learn about what types of educational opportunities are available. Ask about program length or time commitment for these opportunities.
   • Ask about admissions/acceptance requirements and application deadlines, which may be different for each school or program.
   • Ask about transferability of coursework from high school to two-year and/or four-year institutions.
   • Find out about student services, such as tutoring and academic assistance.
   • Ask about the percentage of students who graduate or complete the program and the types of jobs that they obtain.
   • Obtain information on job placement services. Ask for examples of employers and the percentage of placements.
   • Determine the cost of the education you want. Items to consider include cost of classes (tuition), fees, books, equipment, supplies, and estimated room and board.
3. Visit the financial aid office.
   • Get a financial aid application packet during the first semester of your senior year.
   • Learn about the different types of financial aid, application processes, and application deadlines.

Apprenticeship

1. Determine the area of apprenticeship for which you have an interest. Use resources available in your counselor's office.
2. Look up the phone number of Labor Department of Apprenticeship & Training Bureau under US Government in the phone book. Before your senior year, contact the sponsors of apprenticeship programs to find out when they accept applications, how many applications they are accepting, the process to apply (some require a test and an interview), and your individual qualifications for the program.
   • Learn what employment opportunities are available both during and after apprenticeships.
   • Learn about wages and benefits paid while you are in the program.
   • Learn about potential program costs.Learn about the time commitment (apprenticeships may vary in training time).

Military

• Educational benefits and programs in the military are numerous and vary with each branch of the service. The military is a realistic option for individuals who are physically active and have a limited history of health problems. The reserve components of each branch, including the Army and Air National Guard, offer individuals the opportunity to earn educational benefits while serving part-time and attending college full-time. National Guard enlistment can begin for high-school juniors at the age of 17, as long as physical and mental exams are passed. Vocational training is also available. Many occupational choices offer skilled training in highly technical fields.
  1. Gather information on each branch of service.
  2. Check with your counselor to see if military representatives visit your school.
  3. Ask about length of commitments, because they may vary, depending on the field you choose.
  4. Explore all options before deciding which program will best help you meet your personal, educational, and career goals.

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Contents to "Exploring Career Pathways"

• Introduction
• Worksheets (for printing)
• Instructions
• Career Pathways
  • Agriscience and Natural Resources Pathway
  • Arts and Communications Pathway
  • Business/Information Management/Marketing Pathway
  • Engineering/Industrial/Technological Sciences Pathway
  • Family and Human Services Pathway
  • Health Sciences Pathway
• Other Ways to Explore Career Preparation- YOU ARE HERE
• How to Order Video, Student Guide, Resource Guide, and Icon

This site is maintained by
Grant Wood Area Education Agency
4401 Sixth Street S.W.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4499, U.S.A.
and is a section of the Area 10 School-to-Work site.

We welcome comments. Please send e-mail to Lucy Choisser:
LChoisser@aea10.k12.ia.us

Copyright © 1997
Grant Wood Area Education Agency & State of Iowa, Department of Education
All Rights Reserved

Last revised: November 14, 1997.