Turning Career Exploration into Real-World Experience
Career exploration becomes even more meaningful when students have opportunities to meet professionals, experience workplaces, and practice the skills they'll need after graduation. The ESC of Eastern Ohio Career Counseling team connects students with employers, industry professionals, and hands-on experiences that help bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.
JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCES
Job shadows give high school juniors and seniors a one-day opportunity to experience a career field they are interested in pursuing after graduation.
Our Career Counselors help coordinate:
- Job shadow locations
- Employer and industry contacts
- Student preparation
- Questions and tips for a successful experience
By observing professionals in the workplace, students gain a better understanding of a career's responsibilities, environment, and expectations before making decisions about their future.
STUDENT LUNCH & LEARNS
Lunch & Learns provide students with an informal opportunity to meet and talk with professionals from a variety of career fields. Guest speakers share their career experiences and pathways while students have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what it takes to enter and succeed in different professions. The small-group environment encourages conversation and gives students a comfortable setting to explore possibilities for life after graduation.
CAREER & TRADE DAY EVENTS
Career and Trade Days help students connect their academic experiences with potential professional opportunities. Career Counselors can assist districts with organizing Career and Trade Day events in their buildings, bringing employers, professionals, and career information directly to students.
MOCK INTERVIEW BOOT CAMP
Knowing how to communicate with an employer is an important career-ready skill. Mock Interview Boot Camp gives high school seniors practical preparation for real job and apprenticeship interviews. Students learn how to:
- Research potential employers
- Dress appropriately for an interview
- Answer common interview questions
- Present themselves professionally
- Strengthen their résumés
- Practice interview etiquette
Students also hear directly from local employers and career professionals about what interviewers look for and learn about resources such as OhioMeansJobs. The experience is designed to build confidence and prepare students to successfully navigate future job and apprenticeship interviews.
CONNECT STUDENTS WITH THE WORLD OF WORK
From a first conversation with a professional to spending a day in a workplace, real-world experiences can help students see possibilities they hadn't considered before. Our Career Counseling team works with schools and community partners to create meaningful opportunities that help students explore careers, develop employability skills, and prepare for what's next.
Contact the Career Counseling Team
330-533-8755