Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department assists students with career/vocational awareness and planning
As part of the Willowbrook Guidance Department’s goal to prepare students for post-high school success, counselors provide career programming for students.
That programming includes:
- A two-day Career Program in all speech classes: In collaboration with the English Department, counselors worked with students on Oct. 22 and 23 to introduce them to the career-development exploration process. That process includes using Naviance to complete an Interest Inventory and Personality Assessment linked to careers, job outlook information and education requirements. Students will use the results of those assessments to give a speech on a career of interest.
- Career-exploration fieldtrip opportunities: Students will have the opportunity to attend field trips to increase exposure to various careers. Career Exploration Days will take place at College of DuPage and will consist of: Culinary, hospitality and tourism on Oct. 24; manufacturing and engineering technology on Nov. 14; criminal justice and fire science on Jan. 30, 2015; technical education on March 20, 2015; and health sciences on May 1, 2015.
- Career informational tables and presentations during College and Career Awareness Week in March: In collaboration with the Willowbrook Parent Organization (WPO), counselors are reaching out to local businesses, alumni and community members to provide informational tables or presentations for students on various careers.
- College and Career Center: All students have access to the College and Career Center in the student cafeteria. The center consists of a wealth of resources students can review, including books, magazines and college information.
Tip of the week: The Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh) is an excellent resource to explore careers and get up-to-date information about careers. That includes information about work environment, pay, education, job outlook and similar occupations.