Career Observation

Students can join a week of "career observation" as a component of the CIS Project Week. This program is designed for students to gain experience in an occupational area that has relevance to their future career intentions. However, if students are unsure of his or her desired career path, we believe that any insights they may gain into the ethics and practice of the workplace, together with an induction into the level of teamwork required, will have substantial personal, educational and social benefits. As well, it is hoped that the students will be able to contribute something of value to the organization.

All students will be visited in the workplace at least once by a CIS teacher and will be required to maintain a detailed daily log of their work. They will be evaluated at the end of the week, with the co-operation of their supervisors, and these records will be kept on file for possible incorporation into references for future university applications.

Students are required to find their own work placement. They are strongly encouraged to approach a business or organization in a desired field; however, they may use family or friendly contacts in related or interested occupations. A letter will be provided to explain the program and support the student's intentions. Once a business has agreed to let the student shadow an employee, details must be forwarded to the Career Observation supervisor via proper forms.

Aims

To enable students to gain broader educational experience off campus

To afford students the opportunity to explore work experience and service to the community, not normally available during regular school time

To provide opportunities for teaching staff and students to interact positively in a non-academic environment and thereby enhance mutual respect

Additional Objectives

To encourage the development of the following qualities and skills, as applicable to the activity:

    • social skills
    • leadership skills
    • teamwork and co-operation skills
    • initiative
    • problem solving skills
    • cross-cultural understanding
    • appreciation of environment issues
    • service to the community
    • bonding of a year group
    • cross-year group understanding
    • practical work experience