Exploring Futures

Anderson helps students discover their career paths

Anderson supports students in exploring career options throughout their time in high school. One way is with the XCL (Experiential Career Learning) program where students can learn about different career paths. Students also complete individual assignments on SchoolLinks, a new platform that replaces Xello, to learn about potential pathways they can follow in the future. These two key tools help students begin their journey of career exploration.

“For a low commitment, students can take steps to explore their future,” Mrs. Hartong, workforce development specialist, said.

One career advancement platform all Anderson students can sign up for is Breakfast with Business. These events are held once a month and allow students to connect and meet with local businesses and leaders to learn about their occupations. The breakfast helps students to further understand potential futures for them and also assists with narrowing down certain aspects of a field for a student. All students are allowed to sign up for these events.

Along with Breakfast with Business, Aspire is a program solely for sophomore students. The program meets once a month to go on a business related trip, where they learn important skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. Students also begin to make connections with businesses for their futures. 

“I want to build better people skills and make connections,” Meg Giles (10), a student in the Aspire program, said.

Each month offers a different field in the work force; for students who know they have interests in the medical field, XCL offers a healthcare internship program. Students can start the healthcare program in their freshman year and learn about what suits them best in the field. These internships take place at Christ Hospital and OrthoCincy Anderson locations on Wednesdays starting at 3:30 PM for nine weeks, students learn all about the different areas of the field. It allows the students to get a deeper understanding of the professions and careers.

“It was more to get a grasp of [the field] and to narrow a specific career choice,” Elise West (12), student at AHS, who has an internship at Christ Hospital, said.

The opportunities for students through the XCL program allow them to prepare for the future and learn about what they want to do. These programs take place during or after school, which allows students to take advantage of them while still enjoying high school.

“Communication is the biggest area where I have seen growth and it sets them apart,” Mrs. Hartong said.

Students who take advantage of the XCL programs build their skills and professionalism. They also build relationships with future classmates, colleagues, and professors, setting them up for success. 

Along with the XCL program, Anderson is starting a new program called SchoolLinks. SchoolLinks provides a simple way for students to help find their best careers in the future. The new website has replaced Xello, and is easier to follow and more encouraging to students. With the institution of SchoolLinks, students at Anderson have been able to see celebrities they relate to, potential fields for careers, and specific career options, all from a simple survey.

The new website also allows students to set goals and showcases their potential pathways. SchoolLinks also links directly to the student’s College Board and shows their test scores. Any student can set up a scenario based on their degree and income to estimate their debts for the future, all which assist students with getting a better grasp on economics. 

With these tools, Anderson students are able to explore futures and build skills. They learn and prepare to thrive in what they enjoy and have a passion for.

“Learning what you don’t like can almost be just as powerful as learning what you do like,” Mrs. Hartong said.