Career Exploration 

Instructor:                     Ms. Schuh                                            Classroom:                    104

Work Phone:          507-629-5500 ext 2104                         E-mail:                               schuhs@tracy.k12.mn.us

Extra Help Hours:       7:30-8:00 AM by appointment               Credit:                           1 semester credit        

                                      3:00-4:00 PM by appointment               Hours:                           67.5

OE/Course Code:         01                                                         MDE Program Code:        1490710

 BUSINESS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RULES:                 REQUIRED MATERIALS:

·       Respect                                                                                     * Earbuds   

·   Responsibility                                                                          * Pen (black or blue ink)

·   Courtesy                                                                                   * Laptop and charging cord

·   Discipline procedures per TAHS student handbook            * Portfolio 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This exploratory course is intended to guide an individual through the complex array of career choices. The use of standardized career testing analyzes an individual’s interests, personality, and abilities. During the course students will:

·       Identify various career choices

·       Analyze their personality, intersts, skills, and abilities, and career choices that are consistent with test results.

·       Locate career, college, and employent information avaialble through various sources.

·       Analyze the job market projection in career areas of interest.

·       Complete a job application and resume.

·       Locate a career of interest and present on that career.

Prerequisites: None 

MINNESOTA FRAMEWORKS ALIGNMENT:

Performance indicators and objectives in this course are aligned with the Minnesota Frameworks for Business, Marketing for “Careers Exploration” These Frameworks are based on national standards and aligned with Minnesota Technical Skill Assessments. Daily formal and informal assessments will be based on Learning Targets that align with these Frameworks. The Frameworks are available for review on the Minnesota Department of Education website:  https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/cte/prog/biz/

STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

All students enrolled in this course have the opportunity to join the TAHS chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA). Chapter activities provide numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills in real-world settings through chapter activities including the BPA competitive event program. Interested students should contact Ms. Schuh for more information or an application form. Opportunities for students to develop leadership skills will also be embedded throughout the classroom curriculum in the form of projects to work with business and community leaders to apply course content to real-world issues and problems.

CAREER EXPLORATION/DEVELOPMENT:

Throughout the course, students will examine various careers and analyze how their personal and professional interests align with the opportunities in each field. Professionals in various fields may give presentation during the course to raise awareness of opportunities available in a variety of career pathways.

Students are encourages to seek out job shadow opportunities with professionals in career areas of interest. Students who schedule a job shadow will be granted one day of excused absence from classes to attend the job shadow. Please talk with Ms. Schuh if you would like more details. Another option is to conduct and informal interview with someone in a career field you are interested in.

Students will also attend the career expo at SMSU. During the expo, students will be exposed to college an career opoporutnites here in SW Minnesota, go on a college tour, and visit and exhibit hall filled with interactive booths where there is information on a wide variety of careers.

GRADING POLICY

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete all make-up work. Class assignments and resources are posted on the Schoology course daily.

Standard Grade Scale:

A             93% and above                                               C+   76 – 79%

A-    90 – 92%                                                     C     73 – 75%

B+   86 – 89%                                                     C-    70 – 72%

B      83 – 85%                                                     D+   66 – 69%

B-    80 – 82 %                                                    D     63 – 65%

                                                                                 D-    60 – 62%

                                                                                 F      59% and below

CURRICULUM MAPPING: SEMESTER OUTLINE

Week 1                           Review the Importance of Career Investigation and Research

Week 2                           Research post-secondary options

Weeks 3 & 4                   Determine and analyze Personal Interest, Aptitudes and Abilities (MCIS Assessments)

Weeks 5, 6 & 7               Investigate 3 career choices that relate to life goals and personal attributes.

Weeks 8, 9 & 10             Research and present information regarding 3 possible careers.

Week 11                         Establish a career action plan

Weeks 12                       Practice job search and networking skills 

Weeks 13 & 14               Prepare a resume, list of references, and cover letter

Weeks 15 & 16               Prepare a hard copy and digital portfolio

Week 17                         Review professional ethics and interview skills

Week 18                         Mock Interview and thank you note