Career Exploration Opportunities

Workplace Learning Connection

     Workplace Learning Connection (WLC), a department of Kirkwood Community College, partners with your Solon High School to offer quality work-based learning career exploration experiences through our work-based learning programming.  Students have an opportunity to explore, observe and converse with a regional professional to expand their career knowledge and understanding.  For the most up-to-date information from TWLC, use this link to TWLC News Page.

Planning for your Future – resource on Workplace Learning Connection website.

Finding your post-high school and future career path can often be challenging and overwhelming.

WLC's Planning For Your Future presentation breaks down the processes into

four easy steps and provides resources to help students on their journey.

WINTER/SPRING  2026 Internship Opportunity!

Juniors & Sophomores,

The PORTAL for Winter/Spring 2026 internships will open September 22, 2025 This internship opportunity will be available for current juniors and seniors. This is a GREAT opportunity to explore your career options! And summer might work best for you to complete an internship!

The due date for the application is Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 3:00 p.m. You have an opportunity to complete a 40 hour work-site internship and earn two (2) high school elective credits and one (1) college credit for your experience!

The Internship Application Portal will open September 22. Application materials are due – Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 3:00 p.m. for a Fall 2025 Internship. 

• What types of internships are offered? Explore internship opportunities here.

• How do I apply? Go to the WLC Internship Page to complete the application.

• Application portal will close @ Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 3:00 p.m.

Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Thompson.

Make plans now to do an internship SPRING SEMESTER! 

Solon HS's Individual Career and Academic Plan 

The Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) is The State of Iowa's has developed system that is focused on the student experience and preparation for postsecondary success. The clear purpose is to provide quality career guidance opportunities through meaningful career and academic planning.

The Essential Components represent the foundation of Iowa’s career and academic planning system. They are the common experiences and activities which all students must complete as part of the individual career and academic planning process. The Five Essential Components are:

1. Self-understanding: Students shall engage in developmentally appropriate inventories and assessments that promote self-understanding, the connection to work, and engage in meaningful reflective activities about the results. Solon HS uses My Academic Plan (MAP), a resource developed by Iowa State University to assist students with both career and post-secondary readiness.

Assessments and inventories may include, but are not limited to:

• interest inventory;

• work values assessment;

• personal values/inventory;

• abilities/strengths/skills assessment;

• career cluster assessment;

• learning styles inventory; and/or

• non-cognitive skills assessment or activity.

2. Career Information: Students shall research careers based on self-understanding results and engage in meaningful reflection about the findings.

• Information that must be available includes, but is not limited to:

• wages, earnings, and employment outlook [opportunities and trends] (state and national data);

• job description (tasks performed, skills, aptitudes, work conditions, and physical demands); and

• training and educational requirements (career cluster, education level, postsecondary training and education programs, and licensing requirements).

3.  Career Exploration: Students shall engage in activities that reveal connections among school-based instruction, career clusters, and the world of work and engage in meaningful reflection.

Career exploration experiences may be face-to-face or virtual, such as videos, and may include, but are not limited to:

• job tours;

• career day/fair;

• lunch and learns with colleges/employers;

• job shadows;

• job interviews;

• other work-based learning;

• internships; and

• volunteer opportunities.

4.  Postsecondary Exploration: Students shall engage in activities to explore relevant postsecondary education and training options related to career interests and engage in meaningful reflection on the exploration experience.

Postsecondary programs or pathways related to career interests may include, but are not limited to:

• apprenticeships, on-the-job training, skilled labor;

• training programs in the military;

• industry-based certifications;

• two- or four-year degree programs.

Postsecondary exploration activities may be face-to-face or virtual and may include, but are not limited to:

• site or campus visits;

• career, employment, or college fairs;

• visit with recruiters/representatives (military, industry, apprenticeship, colleges, etc.);

• lunch-and-learns; and/or

• learn about financial aid, scholarships, and the financial impact of postsecondary options.

5.  Career and Postsecondary Decision: Students shall complete relevant activities to meet their postsecondary goals consistent with the plan and stated postsecondary intention.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• complete required admission or placement examinations;

• complete relevant entrance requirements:

• admissions application,

• enlistment documents, and/or

• job application, resume, cover letter;

• complete financial aid and scholarship applications; and

• compare award letters and completion requirements of opportunities such as:

• annual financial aid requirements (i.e., annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] and other aid applications),

• role of remedial courses,

• course of study including credits per semester for on-time graduation, and

• role of academic advisor.