Career Exploration
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Career Exploration
Career exploration is an opportunity for students to research their interests and passions. It provides students with the ability to become aware of various career clusters, and to develop decision-making, job-seeking, and job-keeping skills. Explore the links below to help make informed career choices.
O-NET Occupational Research (Career Research) Your tool for career exploration and job analysis!
Career One Stop- a source for career exploration, training & jobs; sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor
Outlook Handbook (The OH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.)
Personality Inventory - A personality inventory is a self-assessment tool that career counselors and other career development professionals use to help people learn about their personality types. It reveals information about individuals' social traits, motivations, strengths and weaknesses, and attitudes.
Career and College Planning Resources
Internships: How can students apply?
Internships: How can students apply?
Attend the Internship Information Seminar or contact NWHS Internship Coordinator, Mr. Conor Prachar in room 306 and/or via email: conor_prachar@mcpsmd.org.
Students will complete an NWHS Internship Application Packet which includes, essay, cover letter and resume, two teacher recommendations, and counselor recommendation.
Minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 is required.
Upon acceptance, students must attend three workshops during the Spring semester to continue with the program.
When can students apply for the Internship Program?
When can students apply for the Internship Program?
Students apply for the internship program in the Spring Semester of their Junior year of High School.
To satisfy MCPS requirements and receive course credit for an internship, the student must commit to scheduled weekly hours during the school day throughout the semester.
For each period registered for internship, the student must complete a minimum of 75 hours per semester at the work site.
Attendance is recorded at school and at the work site.
Interns are also responsible for submitting a weekly time sheet signed by their supervisor.
What should students consider when contemplating an Internship?
What should students consider when contemplating an Internship?
How many periods can I devote to an internship?
Can I maintain an excellent attendance record at school and the workplace?
Am I ready to work hard and demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills?
Am I self-disciplined enough to meet project deadlines, complete paperwork, follow procedures, communicate with the internship coordinator, and attend scheduled meetings?
Can I provide my own transportation or use public transportation to commute to my internship?
Most internship positions are not paid. Interns must assume the expense of commuting.
What extracurricular activities might conflict with my internship schedule?
What is expected of an Intern?
What is expected of an Intern?
Interns are expected to find their own internship. Leads may be provided by the Internship Coordinator to students who have demonstrated responsibility by looking for an internship and attending workshops. However, internship leads should not be expected from the Internship Coordinator.
Interns will be working in a professional setting and are expected to act professionally.
The intern is expected to be punctual, work hard, act responsibly, maintain confidentiality, and dress appropriately throughout the internship experience.
When considering an internship program, a prospective intern needs to evaluate his/her strengths and talents, interests and goals that can be offered to a prospective mentor through a professional resume.
Interns are ambassadors of Northwest High School and are expected to work at or above expectations.
Every internship must have final approval from the Internship Coordinator.
What are the Internship course requirements?
What are the Internship course requirements?
Interns will be evaluated by the school internship coordinator using a variety of instruments. The course grade is based on the following:
coordinator site visit
completed intern assignments
the number of hours completed at the workplace (required minimum must be met to receive credit)
evaluation by mentor/site supervisor
intern produced reports
portfolios
oral presentations
attendance at orientation seminars at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the semester
What must be considered about an Internship site?
What must be considered about an Internship site?
The following must be considered when searching for an appropriate internship site:
Work permits are required for interns under 18 years old.
Some sites require interns to be American citizens and/or over 18 years old.
The intern must be supervised by an adult at all times.
The site must have at least two adult employees.
The site cannot be located in a private home and must be a safe work environment.
Interns may NOT routinely drive as part of the job, open/or close the business without adult supervision, transport money, perform work that requires strenuous lifting, or work in or around motor vehicles or with heavy equipment.
Internships may NOT be primarily clerical type duties.
Students may not intern in the same office as parents and/or immediate family. Exceptions may be given based on special circumstances, but must be pre-approved by the Internship Coordinator.
What if I have more questions?
What if I have more questions?
Contact NWHS Internship Coordinator, Mr. Conor Prachar, in room 306 and/or via email: conor_prachar@mcpsmd.org.
Career Readiness Resources
Resume Builder in Naviance (Go to Naviance > About me> Resume)
Montgomery College (MC) Resume Builder (You must create an account, its free)
Cover Letter Template (Sample) | Power Point Presentation Cover Letters
Resume Template (Sample) | Power Point Presentation The Resume
Link for Counselors Top 20 Must-Have Skills to Put on a Resume
Indeed The High School Resume
Education: High School
Opportunity: Work Study
Academic Field: Business, Computer Sciences, Applied Arts, Engineering (other)
The High School Work Study (HSWS) Program is a highly competitive program designed for high school students who plan to participate in a school sponsored work experience program during their senior year. Students are hired on as part-time employees from September to August of their senior year. Students can apply for the following positions:
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Positions are available based on requirements at each site. When applying, ensure the job opening is for your local site.
Administrative & Technical Students: Office Assistant
Students who are enrolled in business courses (Microsoft Office Suite, Accounting, Business Management, Web Page Design and etc.). They will be required to perform basic administrative tasks - type, file, maintain records, answer phones and operate business equipment such as word processors and personal computers.
Computer Aide
Students who are enrolled in computer or Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused courses (Computer Science, Java Visual Basics, Programming and etc.). They will be required to operate and/or maintain data processing equipment, often the most sophisticated equipment on the market.
Vocational Students: Model Shop
Mechanically skilled students that are willing to learn from subject matters experts in one of these related trades - machining, precision sheet metal, welding, woodworking, 3D printing, graphic design, sewing, and painting. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in either Printing/Graphic Arts or Manufacturing classes at a technical high school.
Vo-Tech
Self-starter students with good interpersonal, teaming and industrial skills, as well as basic computer skills (e.g., e-mail, web browsers, Microsoft Office Suite). Students will be required to assist with operating and maintaining printing, binding, and packaging equipment; operating computer graphics software across various computer platforms/experience in Adobe Creative Suite; and operating industrial/production equipment, machinery, and tools such as die cutters, laminators, air compressors, and soldering equipment. It requires the individual to perform a wide variety of assembly line tasks requiring excellent eye to hand coordination in the production of electronic assemblies, electronic media and printed products. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in Printing/Graphic Arts at a technical high school.
Installation & Logistics
Students who are mechanically inclined. They will be required to assist with installing and maintaining building architectural systems by building standard and executive style systems are repairing, altering or constructing replacement items from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Apply surface finish treatments such as painting or staining. Students may also perform sanitization, declassification, excess or destruction. Sanitize, declassify or destroy the material using common hand tools or devices such as hammermills, pulverizers, incinerators, degaussers, or paper pulping equipment. Dispose of material through donation, recycling, reutilization, or resale. Designed for high school students who are enrolled in Construction, Engineering, Project Management or Manufacturing at a technical high school.
Language Students: Chinese
Students who are currently enrolled in advanced Chinese courses (Chinese 5 or higher). They will be required to use their Chinese language skills to perform daily duties. Students need to be excelling in their Chinese reading, writing and listening skills. In addition, students should be recommended by the school’s lead Chinese language instructors.
Russian
Students who are currently enrolled in advanced Russian courses (Russian 4 or higher). They will be required to use their Russian language skills to perform daily duties. Students need to be excelling in both their Russian reading, writing and listening skills. In addition, students should be recommended by the school’s lead Russian language instructors.
Application Process:
Applications run from September 15th through October 31st
Minimum Qualifications
Must be junior at local high school
Must be 16 years old by December 31 of high school junior year
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Preferred unweighted 2.5 GPA
Enrolled in at least two courses pertaining to desired position
Reliable transportation
Minimum 4 hours per day / 5 days a week (Monday-Friday)
Forms Needed
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