Education to Careers
experience real world opportunities today
to prepare for the careers of tomorrow
welcome
"Young people have always been, and probably will always be, job hoppers, regardless of what generation they belong to. Don’t base your employment decisions on what you think you’re supposed to do, or what the rest of your generation is doing, but rather on the opportunities available to you, and the direction of your long-term goals.
Despite the stigma attached to it, job hopping can actually be a good thing—and you might thank yourself for doing it later." (FORBES, January 22, 2018, Larry Alton, freelance writer and business consultant; Millennials Aren't Job Hopping, Young People Are: 5 Things To Keep In Mind)
(Also The Corporate Slacker, August 6, 2019 Idris Dails; Why Job Hopping In Your 20’s Is So Important)
(Also Fast Company & Inc., May 11, 2021, Jared Lindzon; Why Gen Z is so keen on entrepreneurship, and what that means for employers)
D219 STUDENTS, WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF YOU KNEW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE?
As the future can be a confusing maze of tangled career paths, we are preparing students now for the unknown—positions that don’t exist in the present. There are ways to figure out what career direction to take and, at the same time, prepare you to succeed in any career.
D219 has taken numerous steps toward career and life readiness by providing students with opportunities to participate in academic and extra-curricular activities and learning experiences, including several dual credit college courses, numerous advanced placement course offerings, math extension courses, and career exploration experiences, for example, to help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for post high school education and/or employment. Additionally, D219 is incorporating into its offerings, 7 CAREER PATHWAYS sequences as an additional tool to help guide our students toward appropriate course selection and related extra-curricular components:
Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology & Trades
Information Technology
Health Sciences & Technology
Finance & Business Services
Arts & Communication
Human & Public Services
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Through its partnership with hundreds of Niles Township and Chicagoland area businesses, the Education to Careers program aims to help D219’s 4,600+ students understand how they can take advantage of their high school experiences, including their academic classes and extracurricular activities, to investigate potential career choices and opportunities in the workplace providing students with invaluable opportunities to interact with professionals in numerous career areas. Students gain knowledge of job responsibilities and the critical skills that life and work demand, and have a better understanding of why English, math, science and other courses they take at school are important. Work-based learning experiences may also include mock businesses or school-based businesses, research projects, and other opportunities to learn about the career world. Counselors, teachers and the education to careers coordinator may provide guidance to those students who are seeking more long-term opportunities such as part-time jobs or service learning (volunteer) experiences.
You may not decide on a particular career path during high school, but your work-based learning experiences will give you knowledge about the skills and attitudes employers require. You may find just the right career or you may find out what you definitely don’t want to do as a career. That knowledge can give you a head start in a career, help you save money on post-secondary education and/or training, and add weight to your resume.
We encourage you to experience real world opportunities today, to prepare for the careers of tomorrow, but remind you to make sure that whatever career you choose, you find it enjoyable, productive and fulfilling.
We will be sharing the Ed2careers@d219.org email
Lisa Edelson, D219 Education to Careers Coordinator, lisede@d219.org, 847-626-2062
Kia Pickett, D219 - Niles North Career Counselor, kiapic@d219.org, 847-626-2165
Anthony Gliffe, D219 - Niles West Career Counselor, antgli@d219.org, 847-626-2927, Make an Appointment: Calendly
district 219 home page niles north home page niles west home page
Mrs. Lisa Edelson cultivates partnerships with local and regional business and community professionals, including D219 alums, who help students learn about careers in order to make better informed decisions about post-high school education and/or training opportunities. Her own career path has included personal entrepreneurship, and employment in the manufacturing, retail, hospitality, business services, and human and public services industries, including positions within the Baltimore County Planning and Zoning Department, the Hilton and Hyatt Corporations, Chicago's Back of the Yards Business Association, and the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce. She served as Executive Director of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 2000. Mrs. Edelson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning and a Master’s degree in Corporate Employee Life & Wellness Benefits Programming. Additionally, Mrs. Edelson is actively involved in the NSERVE consortium for career and technical education, and in the local chambers of commerce and various community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley, and has and continues to participate in numerous seminars, workshops and webinars to help broaden her knowledge of the education and skills required to succeed in our ever-changing global business environment.
Ms. Kia Pickett has been with District 219 for 15 years. She started her career as a paraprofessional in the Special Education department and transitioned to school counselor after earning her Masters degree in School Counseling from Concordia University. She later obtained her second Masters degree for the Principal Preparation Program also from Concordia University. Ms. Pickett is very involved in the school community and serves as the sponsor for Black Student Union and Student Council. As the new Career Counselor, Ms. Pickett will work with the business community to create career exploration experiences for students, as well as provide individual and group career counseling, and job search coaching for students and alumni in order to help them make informed career decisions, explore occupational choices, and prepare for an effective job/internship search.
Mr. Anthony Gliffe is a former Niles North graduate class of 2006. He received his Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Aurora University and his Master's degree in School Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Before coming to D219, Mr. Gliffe worked in higher education supporting student-athletes and students-at-large in the areas of academics, social/emotional support, and career development. In addition, he was the College & Career Pathway Specialist at Technology Center of DuPage overseeing dual credit, job and internship opportunities, and career event programming. Employers, families, and students to schedule an appointment simply click on the link https://calendly.com/antgli.
Student & Parent Resources
Niles North is excited to host our district-wide D219 Focus on Your Future: Career Resources & Job Fair, so mark this date on your calendar, and if you have an after school job then ask your supervisor to please adjust your schedule so that you can attend. Additionally, students can have a professional headshot taken, so if interested, dress accordingly for this photoshoot.
Resume, Cover Letter & Other Resources
5 Things That Make Your Resume Look Outdated in 2022 (Buzzfeed.com)
RESUME (Mrs. Edelson’s sample) If you would like to work on your resume with us, you can make a Zoom appointment with one of us and/or begin your initial resume in a plain Google doc (don't use a template). Make a copy of your initial draft resume, share it with us, Ms. Pickett, Mr. Gliffe, and Mrs. Edelson at Ed2careers@d219.org or individually with Ms. Pickett kiapic@d219.org, Mr. Gliffe antgli@d219.org, or Mrs. Edelson lisede@d219.org and give us editing rights. We will review it, edit it, and make comments or ask you questions.
- FYI...Young People Face Harsh Reality As Colleges Reject Them For Social Media Posts: The Washington Post (2/16/23) reported that after a 19-year-old’s TikTok videos “reached the coaches of the college water ski program she hoped to join,” they sent her an email “saying her videos were ‘too negative,’” and she “was denied a spot on the team.” While corporate social media campaigns “‘raised awareness’ around subjects like mental health and body positivity, young people shared their experiences in droves.” But as they “hit college or the working world, they’re met with a harsh reality: The standard of professionalism among older generations hasn’t changed, and it doesn’t make room for the type of authenticity social media companies tend to encourage.
Career Pathways, Courses &
Other Related Resources
Career Pathways is a program of study, including planning, preparation, participation and performance, consisting of coursework, co-curricular activities and other learning experiences that connect students to their career aspirations and goals.
Post High School Local Trade Associations, Unions, Schools & Related Career Programs, Training & Apprenticeships (Non-Traditional Post HS Options)
U.S. Department of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
College & Career Resource Center - Niles West
Scholarship Info Page CCR - Niles West
Career Planning CCR - Niles West
Careers In Trades CCR - Niles West
College & Career Resource Center - Niles North
Scholarship Info Page CCR - Niles North
Vocational, Technical & Trade School Scholarships 2024
Financial Aid Resources & Scholarship Resources Page CCR - Niles North
Career Resources CCR - Niles North
Oakton Community College Course Dual Credit for High School Students
Ask the Expert Days: Miscellaneous Videos
Ask the Expert Days: Health & Medical Industry Videos
Focus On Your Future: Post High School Options Fair Recap Video Clip
Focus On Your Future: Introduction; Manufacturing Industry, Hospitality Industry, College Athletics & the NCAA Videos
Cookies & Careers Videos
Classrooms to Careers Videos
Niles North Summer Job Fair Video
Job, Volunteer Opportunities, Career Fairs, Other Learning Experiences & Resources
All on-campus D219 student-oriented jobs are posted on the D219 Employment page on the website under “Student Employment”
How To Quit Your Part-Time Job in a Professional Way (Resignation Letter Examples)
Niles North Students: Work Permit Application for Students Under the Age of 16
Niles West Students: Work Permit Application for Students Under the Age of 16
Documents and/or signatures you will need for the Work Permit:
A statement/letter of intent from the employer, providing where you're working, your position and a brief description of your responsibilities.
Parent/Guardian statement giving you permission to work.
Physician's statement that you're physically fit to work
Counselor statement that you're in good academic standing at school.
How to Submit Volunteer/Service Hours into D219s Student ICARE
DACA Workers' Rights Guide, October 2020, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, irlc.org (If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have an employment authorization document (EAD) in addition to a social security number (SSN) to work legally. The only policy that grants these two documents to undocumented immigrants is Deferred Action, also called DACA.)
What to wear to a job interview as a teenager? By Samuel, Howigotjob.com
The Volunteer Center (works with over 165 nonprofit partner organizations to help individuals, families, and service groups find ways to volunteer their time and help others in the community)
TeenLife (Summer Programs, Gap Year Programs, Volunteer & Community Service and more)
North Shore Job Board (Hospitality/Restaurant/Hotel jobs and more)
Still deciding on a major? Here are the best jobs you can get with your college major by Sammi Caramela, Writer, Business News Daily, January 25, 2018
Post High School Career Options
in the Trades
in the Trades
What is a Skilled Trade? A skilled trade in the construction industry describes a variety of roles that require a skill set, specific knowledge, and the ability to perform hands-on applications using math and reading. Some examples of a skilled tradesperson: Bricklayer/Tuckpointer, Electrician, Teamster, Laborer, Sheet Metal Worker, Carpenter, Operating Engineer, Pipe Fitter, Roofer, and more. There are many pathways to becoming a skilled professional in the construction industry. For example, you can obtain skills at a community college or university to become a construction manager; join a pre-apprenticeship construction training program; on-the-job training as a member of a trade apprenticeship, or intern with a contractor. Typically, skilled trades don't require a four-year degree and are debt-free without student loans. Some skills may require a specific certification or license earned through a school or state agency.
Glossary of Terms (The words you’ll hear people using today that will come up a lot if you pursue a career in the skilled trades):
Union- An organized association of workers in a trade, group of trades, or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests; a labor union.
Trade- Construction trade means any trade or occupation involving construction, alteration, remodeling, repairing, wrecking or demolition, addition to, or improvement of any building, highway, road, railroad, dam, bridge, structure, excavation, or another project, development, or improvement to other than personal property.
Local- A local union is a locally-based group of workers with a charter from a national or international union Apprentice- A person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period.
Apprenticeship- A system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated occupation.
Glossary of Terms (The words you’ll hear people using today that will come up a lot if you pursue a career in the skilled trades)
Journeyperson- A worker, skilled in a given building trade or craft, who has successfully completed an official apprenticeship qualification. Journeymen are considered competent and authorized to work in that field as fully qualified employees.
Vocational Training- Education that prepares people to work as a technician or to take up employment in a skilled craft or trade as a tradesperson or artisan. Vocational education is sometimes referred to as career and technical education.
Trades School- Also known as a technical school, is a postsecondary educational institution designed to train students for a specific job in a skilled trade career.
On-the-Job Training- Employees observe the processes and procedures that their employer uses to create an efficient and effective workplace.
Post Secondary Training- Any education option after high school. Options may include two-year College, four-year College or university, independent private career schools, the military, or apprenticeships (on-the-job training).
How Businesses Can Get Involved
FCCLA Judges Information & Registration
VEX Robotics Competition Judges Information & Registration
NOTE: Your AGREEMENT to volunteer also includes you are IN AGREEMENT with our...WAIVER OF LIABILITY The School District does not provide liability insurance coverage to non-district personnel serving as volunteers for the School District and that you, the volunteer, acknowledge that you are providing volunteer service at your own risk and will not be covered for any loss, injuries, or death resulting from your unpaid volunteer service to the School District. You, the volunteer, assume all risk for death or any loss, injury, illness or damage of any nature or kind, arising out of your supervised or unsupervised volunteer service to the School District. You, the volunteer, agree to waive any and all claims against the School District, or its officers, Board Members, employees, agents or assigns, for loss due to death, injury, illness or damage of any kind arising out of your supervised or unsupervised volunteer service to the School District. Additionally, your AGREEMENT to volunteer also includes you are IN AGREEMENT, that you HAVE NOT been convicted of a felony involving a sex offense or a controlled substance, AND that you HAVE NOT been convicted of any other felony within the last 10 years. QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THESE STATEMENTS? - PLEASE REACH OUT TO US IMMEDIATELY AT Ed2careers@d219.org
D219 Powerful Partnerships
District 219 thanks our business and community partners for their contributions to enhancing our students' high school experience, including at Niles North, Niles West, Niles Central and Bridges Adult Transition Center. We are grateful to our partners for helping our students prepare for a successful future. Building Powerful Partnerships with our parents, businesses and community organizations is a top priority and is included as part of our D219 Board of Education goals.
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For more information on how to become a Powerful Partner, please contact:
Lisa Edelson D219 Education to Careers Coordinator
lisede@d219.org 847.626.2062
Kia Pickett D219 - Niles North Career Counselor
kiapic@d219.org 847.626.2163
Anthony Gliffe D219 - Niles West Career Counselor
antgli@d219.org 847.626.2927
district 219 home page niles north home page niles west home page
