Embedded Files
Let's Break It Down!
During your first three years at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, you get the opportunity to explore and focus on career fields that align with your curiosities, your skills, and your values. You will complete three Field Focus experiences (one per year) before presenting on them your senior year.
Each Field Focus requires three pieces:
Research! You get to learn valuable information and current trends regarding this career field. The research form is already assigned to you within your Xello account, and you can use the Xello Career Profile for that field to complete it. Simple and valuable!
Check out the Research Form here: Example Field Focus Research Form
Experience! Through a traditional Job Shadow, a Career Exploration trip, an Internship, or other opportunities, you will get to learn first-hand what this Career Field is like and how to begin working towards it, if you choose. Job Shadow Forms are available in the Career Services Office, and we can help you get started. You must have a Job Shadow Form signed by a parent and approved by Career Services THREE DAYS before your job shadow takes place in order to be sure your absence will be excused! You get ONE excused absence for Job Shadows per school year.
Check out the template for contacting professionals here: Contacting a Potential Job Shadow - EMAIL TEMPLATE
Reflection! Processing what you learned, saw, experienced, and felt while exploring this career is the key to deciding what comes next! The Reflection Form is already assigned to you within your Xello account. These reflections will also be used in your Senior Year presentation, so these Reflections are both practical and essential!
Check out the Reflection Form here: Example Field Focus Reflection Form
If you're struggling with the question, "What challenges in the world does this career field address?" then check out this helpful list of challenges to consider: Challenges List
Formal Presentation:
Presentation! Sharing what you've gained, knowing what is right (and not right) for you, and charting potential paths forward after high school with clarity and confidence is the whole point. We want to know what you've learned and how we can help you move forward. Seniors will get to present on their Career Exploration process to a small panel of educators and show off their insights and future plans!
To see the directions and rubric for the Career Exploration Presentation, click this link: Presentation Rubric
To see a model of a Career Exploration Presentation, click this link: Presentation Model
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this required to graduate from High School?
Yes! It is an essential experience for all graduates to know, understand, and be able to plan paths forward for themselves.
I moved into the district. What do I need to do?
If you moved in...
During your Freshman year: If it was in the Fall semester, and you took Career Development I, you will complete the project in its entirety. If it was in the Spring semester, you will begin with Field Focus #2. Write "Moved in (date you moved in)" in your Field Focus #1 assignments on Xello and turn them in. We will cross check with our records.
During your Sophomore year: You will begin with Field Focus #2. Write "Moved in (date you moved in)" in your Field Focus #1 assignments on Xello and turn them in. We will cross check with our records.
During your Junior year: You will begin with Field Focus #2. Write "Moved in (date you moved in)" in your Field Focus #1 assignments on Xello and turn them in. We will cross check with our records.
During your Senior year: You will begin with Field Focus #3. Write "Moved in (date you moved in)" in your Field Focus #1 and #2 assignments on Xello and turn them in. We will cross check with our records.
I don't know what careers I want to focus on. What do I do?
On your Xello profile, click on the “About Me” icon, and select “Matchmaker.” Take the quiz, and save any career results that appeal to you by clicking the heart icon “save” button. You can also use the Personality quiz, the Skillslab quiz, and more to find results that match your interests, skills, and values.
I don't know how to set up a Job Shadow. What do I do?
If you know a person, business, or organization you can contact, do that! If you don’t know anyone to contact, ask your C.R.E.W. Advisor or stop by the Career Services Office (Room 302). You can also check out this email contact template to help you get started. We can help! Once you have a date and time set up, stop by the Careers Office (Room 302) for a Job Shadow Form to get the signatures you need and your attendance covered.
What if I need to miss school for a Job Shadow?
The pink job shadow form, if complete with parent signatures at least three days before the shadow, will excuse you from school. You get ONE excused absence for job shadows per year of school.
Can I do more than three Job Shadows?
Of course! While you only get one excused absence for a job shadow per school year, Act 80 days and non-school days are great times to do additional job shadows, and they can be included in your senior presentation.
How long does a Job Shadow have to be?
Job shadow length is typically a 1/2 day to a full day of school, though variables related to job site access, availability, and distance may come into play. If your shadow had specific circumstances related to length, please see us in Room 302 to make sure it will count towards your Graduation Project.
Do I have to do a traditional Job Shadow?
There are options, depending on your needs and interests. Internships, Career Exploration Trips, and Presentations can count towards your Graduation Project if all requirements are met. Alternate shadow experiences like interviews can count, if pre-approved by the Career Services office.
What do I do next?
See the slide below to figure out your next step!
Page updated
Report abuse