Creating Career Ready College

StudentsOACAC Articulation 2014

Presented by the OACAC Professional Development committee

Career and College Ready

Career and College Ready

O “Today, All high school graduates need to be prepared for some postsecondary education and/or training. While academic preparation alone is not enough to ensure postsecondary readiness, it is clear that it is an essential part of readiness for college, careers, and life in the 21st century.”O The Future Ready Project, Achieve

Why College and Career?

O 40 year ago, 72% of jobs were held by individuals with a high school degree or less.

O By 2018, only 38% of jobs will be available to individuals without post-high school education or training.

O Nearly ½ of job openings are “middle skill” jobs, only 1/5 of jobs available for “low skill” openings.

Student DebtO Media focus on student debt.

O Focus on students with highest amount of debt.

O National average is $29,000.O Students most likely to default have

smallest amounts of debt. O Started college but did not finish.

O Bottom line: College completion is crucial.

Can Grads Get Jobs?O Media – focus on graduates working

as barristas.O Fact: just having a college diploma

does not guarantee employment.O Census data: even at the height of

the recession, college graduates were more likely to have a job.

Getting the JobO Academics and extracurriculars are

both important in the job search.O How have students used their time?

O Internships, Co-ops, work-study, other hands on experiences.

O Networking and connections still matter.

What is the best track?O Students don’t have to go to 4 year

college.O Certificates, Associate Degrees a

vital part of the career readiness agenda.

O Even traditional skilled positions require work beyond high school – apprenticeships, networking, etc.

Career Counseling Activities

AssessmentsCareer ExplorationHands-on Activities

AssessmentsO Aspire (ACT)O College BoardO Naviance

O It’s important to help students interpret results.O Focus on skills rather than job title.O Help explore related career options.

Career ExplorationO Research Opportunities:

O Career Day programs.O Elective classes to explore interests.

Hands-On ActivitiesO Job ShadowingO VolunteeringO “Reality Store” activity that ties jobs,

wages and expenses together.

O How do you help facilitate students who want to do these activities?

Example: Beaumont School

O Freshmen – Career AssessmentO Sophomores – Mini Career DayO Juniors – Job ShadowingO Seniors – Project REAL (two week

shadowing project)

Sharing Your Best Practices

O What is the best assessment you’ve used?

O How have you organized career fairs?

O How do you type Academic Preparation to future career choices?

Questions?