Career Employment Options

Student experiences help to shape understanding of possible academic and career pathways for the future. The School District of Elmbrook provides a variety of options for students to explore interests, develop skills, and earn employability skills that will last a lifetime. 

Programs available includes: 

• Part-time/Season Job Opportunities

• Mentorship or Job Shadow opportunities

• State Certifications in work-based learning

• Youth Apprenticeship Program

For the lastest in career-based learning opportunities in Elmbrook see the district website.

https://www.elmbrookschools.org/teaching-learning/college-career-life-readiness/student-career-opportunities

Mentorship

How to get an internship?

USE THIS WORKSHEET TO HELP YOU ACCESS AN INTERNSHIP

Preparation

Students interested in pursuing a mentorship or internship experience should consider their career interests. Students who are unsure about what area to pursue should do some initial investigation before the commitment of a job experience. 

• Xello- every student can access this career and college tool in myelmbrook. It has amazing opportunities to read about different careers, take interest surveys, and analyze your career goals to help point you in the right direction. 

• Internet searches- there are so many opportunities to learn about careers through websites and videos posted online. 

• Interview neighbors, family, and friends about their careers. What are their jobs like? Can they speak to the skills and dispositions needed in their field? Perhaps they can help illuminate careers related to their own field? Maybe start with an interview or short job shadow experience. 

• Put together a resume. HERE is a sample. Do not list pages of volunteer work. One or two experiences/clubs are appropriate if related to the career field. Certification, career training, or coursework in the field are more important to highlight. (ie: CAD, Python, MOS, Power BI, AP research, etc.)

• First impressions are important. Make sure your social media, email, and any other presence online are updated and professional. For example, students often leave their Gmail icon something silly they decided upon in their middle school years or haven’t updated their email signature. 

Pro tip: Keep your Xello account and Academic and Career Plan updated. Data is often used to develop email lists for internships, field trips, or community opportunities in particular career areas. 

Network

What organizations are you currently connected to? 

Everyone has a network even if they don’t realize it. Consider the organizations you are already connected to, such as school, faith organizations, volunteer groups, club sports, etc. Students need to brainstorm who is on that list and how are those existing connections related to a possible career opportunity? 

Sometimes just talking more with people you know about your interests will open up doors for you. Are you currently on any listservs for organizations related to your field? For example, MKE Tech hub and Medical College of WI. Organizations are always putting out news and events that might create a connection for you. 

Pro tip: create an email account for all things college and career so everything gets filtered to one account and not to your school account. 

Who do you know? 

Consider asking your neighbors, relatives, friends’ parents, co-workers, etc. about their jobs and any connections they may have to job opportunities. You will be amazed at how much people are willing to help when they find out you are looking for an opportunity. Sometimes your neighbors, best friend’s sister has an opportunity! Be open to learning from someone new even if it is someone you haven’t met. Always talk to your parents before connecting with a stranger. All job placements for school credit will be required to go through a background check. 

What jobs are posted online? 

Students have been able to gain amazing opportunities at the college level by connecting with professors conducting research. Departments that are working with grant funding will post their work on the University's websites. This will give you a starting point to connect with people who share your interests. Students might start with an interview with a researcher and eventually get a spot with the team. 

Pro Tip: Do NOT be afraid to make a phone call. Students too often rely on email and working professionals get a LOT of emails that can easily be forgotten. Be open to not getting exactly what you want- any opportunity will be a step forward. 

Many entry-level positions are on job search sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Students can search their area of interest and “Internship” in the Brookfield area. You will be amazed at how many positions are available. Many of these posts will want students in college, however, you might be well qualified if you have taken coursework in the field, have industry credentials, or have experience in the field.  For example, students who have completed AP Comp Sci A (Java) successfully might be ready to start working in IT. It is okay to apply for jobs you are a little underqualified for. 

Consider what programs employers have specifically designed for high school student engagement- ie: Northwestern Mutual, MCW Supremes, etc. Most hospitals have volunteer opportunities available to students and have online forms to show interest. This is a great opportunity to network. 

Look at jobs on PathwaysOS. Student Guide HERE. Every high school student has access to myelmbrook. This is where all jobs that are brought to the school district are listed. 

*Pro Tip: Read your school announcements! Many opportunities for competitions, youth organizations, and college opportunities are listed in the announcements. Consider signing up for the daily email blasts or bookmark the link from your school announcements page! 

Connect

Most organizations will want to interview any paid or unpaid individual coming into their organization. They are spending their time and investing in you. Make sure you prepare well for the interview. High school students are very busy, and finding time might be challenging. Try not to overcommit and keep an important balance of work and downtime in your schedule. 

If you have a job that you want high school credit for there are many opportunities during the school day to earn credit. Please see the Mentorship Guide for more information. 

Dual Enrollment Academy: WCTC & MATC

The technical college has designed wonderful opportunities for high school students to earn a technical certificate or credits towards a degree or certificate that provides real-world relevant coursework in an area of study. These programs provide students the perfect onramp to college with small class sizes designed for all high school students. Additionally the instructors are industry experts and are great mentors in the career path. 

For the most current information on these program please see the college websites:

WCTC https://www.wctc.edu/WCTC/Academics/High-School-Dual-Credit/Dual-Enrollment-Academy

MATC https://www.matc.edu/academics/academic-resources/dual-enrollment/dual-enrollment-academy.html

Additional Career-Related Recognition

Elmbrook Young Professional Scholar