Embedded Files
Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA) created this Building Your Career program to help bridge this gap by connecting students and future employees to the information they need to prepare for and successfully enter the workforce. Complete with useful tips and real-world examples, our newly revised Building Your Career is tailored especially for educators, school counselors and career specialists as they work to help students find and follow successful education and career paths.
Building Your Career is organized around six main sections including:
• College, Career & Citizenship Readiness
• The Job Search • Applying for a Job
• The Job Interview
• Email and Social Networking Protocol
• Identity Theft and Internet Safety
Supplemental material and resources are included at the end of this guide.
Ten Suggestions for Students Interested in Going Straight to Work
Self-Assessment:
Interests: Reflect on what interests you. Are there specific industries or roles you've always wanted to try? Take an assessment here or here!
Skills: Identify the skills you already have. Think about both hard (technical) and soft (communication, problem-solving) skills. Take an assessment here!
Values: What's important to you in a job? Stability? Flexibility? Making a difference? Take an assessment here!
Schedule a meeting with your career specialist to go over your assessment results.
Research Potential Careers:
Start with the list of interests and skills you’ve identified.
Look into entry-level positions that might be a good fit.
Speak with professionals in those fields or conduct informational interviews.
Skill Development:
Identify any skills or certifications that could make you a more attractive candidate.
Consider taking a short course, attending workshops, or earning certifications related to the job you're interested in.
Resume and Cover Letter:
Create or update your resume. Highlight any relevant experience, including part-time jobs, volunteer work, and school projects.
Write a generic cover letter that can be customized for each job application.
Schedule a meeting with your career specialist to go over your resume.
Job Search:
Networking:
Talk to family, friends, teachers, or counselors about your job search. They might know of openings or can connect you with someone in a particular industry.
Join professional associations related to your desired industry.
Prepare for Interviews:
Research common interview questions and practice your answers.
Have a professional-looking outfit ready for interviews.
Practice good communication skills: make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and listen actively.
Schedule a meeting with your career specialist to have a mock interview.
Stay Organized:
Keep a list or spreadsheet of where you've applied, interview dates, and any follow-up actions needed.
Set reminders to follow up on applications if you haven’t heard back after a week or two.
Consider Part-Time or Temporary Work:
If you're having difficulty finding a full-time position, consider part-time or temporary work to gain experience and earn money.
Many temp positions can lead to full-time offers.
Schedule a meeting with your career specialist to discuss straight-to-work opportunities right out of high school.
Stay Open-Minded:
The first job you get might not be your dream job, but it can be a stepping stone. Look for opportunities where you can learn and grow.
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