Why Career Exploration? Why not?
Asking the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up" is no longer a once in a life time question. According to the US Department of Labor, today's student will likely have 10-14 jobs by the time they are 38 years old. How many of us followed the career that interested us in 3rd grade, 7th grade, 12th grade or in technical school, trade school or college? How many of us would have made different choices if we'd know what the career was really like?
If you have a youth that is not sure what they want to do, have them check out: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ it provides information on hundreds of careers and includes:
Whether students experience a Guest Speaker, Interview, Job Shadow, Career Seminar, or Group Tour; they see applications of what they are learning in school in the world of work. Students come away from that experience with very distinct impressions about the careers. They may think it was terrific, just what they want to do, no way, or something in between. The point is they've been exposed to options for their future. Many students have gone on a Job Shadow and been exposed to a related career only to find it more interesting than the field they originally selected.
To apply for a Job Shadow students:
access our website
open an application, if the don't have one already
search the "Opportunity Database" for careers of interest
click Apply (we recommend selecting at least 3 choices)
click "Submit Your Application"
wait for a placement, unless there is a required waiver or from
if there are required Waivers or forms those must be completed before a date and time can be scheduled. All required paperwork is on the website. All Medical and Dental careers require HIPAA Training.
once they receive notification of their placement they must complete the rest of the forms
call and confirm their appointment and all details
attend their event
complete an evaluation on the website
send a thank you
Who are hosting these students? Businesses throughout Yakima County are involved with our program. All we need is a contact from your business. We discuss the career fields within your business, the type of opportunities you are able to host, and availability. We contact you when we have a request for the opportunities you provide, we schedule a date and time, and the student or teacher calls to confirm. The student completes the event and there is an on-line evaluation the business host may complete.
How can I get involved? Call or e-mail us; we look forward to hearing from you.
Betty Wilkinson: betty@yakima.org (509) 248-2021 x 107 Kimberly Gunvaldson: kimberly@yakima.org (509) 248-2021 x 105