I enjoy networking! I haven't had the opportunity to network with other counselors in at least 5 years and I miss it.

Creating connections and building relationships with professionals in my field/similar fields.

Yes! I am in my current job because of connections from previous jobs/other schools in the area.

I actually don't enjoy networking. I am more of an introvert. I do enjoy learning but it can be overwhelming for me in a bigger setting.

The words that come to my mind are connecting, learning and growing.. and overwhelming.

Yes! While I was an intern, I had a principal that connected me to her old school and even reached out to them to say nice things about me.

I do enjoy networking. It is always great to get the views and innovative ideas from others in the field.

Building relationships, making connections, innovation.

I have been working in my current district because of networking. I subbed in the district before being hired.

I feel neutral about networking. It is valuable but also stressful for me as an introvert.

The words that come to mind are: business, connections, crowds, skill-building.

I have been given opportunities for job interviews because of connections.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel. There are many careers in technology. Students can take many paths to get there. Some jobs require certifications and degrees, but not all.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I would also like to know about some of the salaries. What do entry level jobs pay?

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? I would also utilize job shadows and guest speakers. School counselors can also help educate students about careers in technology.

I love networking and think that it is crucial to us as professionals as it helps us to grow and connect.

Connect, collaborate, learn.

Yes, I actually got several of my jobs by networking with others.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? I learned that there are a lot of free resources that students have available to them to start delving into the world of technology today. Students can start creating their own "home lab" and do not have to wait to get started on their journey into the field of technology.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need some more information on? I would like a list of colleges and universities that offer this degree or certification. Also, what is the starting salary or pay range.

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? Bring speakers in, have students research and complete a presentation on their findings, include projects across the curriculum that include technology.

I have come to enjoy networking, but I prefer to be in smaller, more intimate settings.

Sharing with colleagues

Yes! I am in this job because of a connection.

I do enjoy networking. It is always good to meet new people in the field and share ideas. You never know when what you've done can help another and vice versa.

collaboration, friendship, ideas,

I have had both happen. A colleague and myself created a career program and were highlighted by a group a few years back. Others met with us so that they could copy what we created.

Do you enjoy networking? It really depends on the situation. If it benefits me or my students, yes. If it is a social event and it is awkward to move about, no.

What words come to mind when you think of networking?

social, scholarships, evening, fundraising, benefits

Have you ever heard about an opportunity or been considered for an opportunity because of a connection?

Absolutely

I enjoy learning about new job opportunities for my students and hearing about happenings in other buildings. I am a lifelong learner. This helps me grow.

If you are not the person in charge you have to work within the limitations and constraints that exist in your space.

I love this question. I am struggling with this. Each student is so unique and this changes from student to student. Be flexible is what I am finding is key.

I really enjoy watching students light up when they discover new interests.

It's challenging to maintain the momentum to stay consistent career readiness activities throughout the year.

I believe students who know their strengths/interests/personality will be able to make more informed course selections, and ultimately, they will be able to hone in on their career path more quickly.

What do you enjoy most about career readiness activities? I enjoy watching students begin to figure out what they are good at, which can translate into an interested career. Even though their interests may change, I like that they can figure this out now before leaving high school.

What do you find most challenging about teaching or planning activities for career readiness? I find that some kids are not ready to take the lessons seriously. They feel that they have more time than they do to make decisions about their future, or are just not ready to do that kind of work.

In what ways does strengthening a student's understanding of themselves help them to be more satisfied with their college and career goals? Helping students find their strengths and interests now will help them find the "right fit" career they would like to pursue after high school. I don't want kids to regret their decisions later in life.

I do enjoy networking.

Collaboration, support, ideas, sharing, friendship are all words that come to mind.

Yes. Several times. All of the jobs in education have been due to connections. Within each of my roles as an educator, I have been given opportunities because of the connections I made.

I enjoy networking when there is a goal or purpose to it, but not just for the sake of talking to people.

Words that come to mind: connections, learning, best practices.

Yes, I have gotten jobs before because of a connection to an employee of the company.

I am not necessarily an out-going person but I do enjoy listening to the experiences of other people. I feel like I often glean useful information and resources through small talk contacts.

To me networking is communicating with people with common interests and experiences.

I was hired as a teacher through a contact with a teacher I met during a summer job. In working with this teacher and students during the summer my contact recommended me to her principal and I was hired for the open teaching position.

I do enjoy networking.

Connecting, asking questions and listening.

Absolutely! I got my current job because of networking/connecting with others and staying in touch with people from prior jobs.

I learned that not only is there a wide range of career options in technology, but there are many different pathways to get there, some needing college degrees and some not.

I think it would be neat to have a chart or breakdown of job titles that one might have, and then categorize it under different subject, such as Programming jobs, IT jobs, etc. Then also include the educational requirements needed and starting salaries.

I work at a community college with great instructors, and a lot of different "CIT" classes and certifications. I'd love to work with the department head to create something like what I mentioned in question 2 that can be used as a resource for marketing our programs to students.

I enjoy learning about new careers and being able to share those options with students, especially careers that might not be very mainstream.

I find it challenging to learn about all the careers possible, because they are endless. And new careers are constantly emerging. Knowing what careers will be replaced by AI.... just the sheer amount of information is what I find challenging.

Helping students recognize career interest areas and what possible pathways there are is helpful because there are so many options students (and adults!) aren't aware of. They might discover a career option they had never known about that is exactly what they gravitate to.

Something I learned from the panel today is that it is really important for students or anyone interested in technology jobs is to do their research. Know what kind of jobs need degrees and what don't. Maybe parents won't have to waste all their money on college if it really isn't needed.

I learned that there is a big shortage of Plumbers, over 550,000 needed in the next year.

I would like to know more about the salaries for some of the apprentices, both during their apprenticeships and once they are journeyman, pay progression over their career.

We have a Career Readiness Coordinator on campus. I would like to visit with her and see if she gives information about apprenticeships, as well as our technology programs. We do have some plumbing classes.

I don't particularly enjoy networking. I tend to feel more comfortable observing what's happening around me and engaging with others as I see fit.

Words that come to mind when I think about networking include social, benefits, connections, and opportunities.

Yes, I have heard about and taken advantage of opportunities that have presented themselves through the networking connections I have made.

There is such a tremendous variety in the information and technology field. Data mining for companies so that they can communicate with customers as well as modelling advertising and coupons to customers. The idea of in house IT really expands the hiring opportunities for students here in Michigan.

I am curious about what these professionals envision as what is next around the IT corner. It feels that for every 'thing' that we know will emerge there are a hundred surprises.

I host our middle school coding club. This club has become a welcome space for the kiddos that, at times, can feel awkward or intense in the social realm of middle school. We have student 'leaders' that will teach a module to the other club members. It is our goal to embrace all students and channel their interests into after school opportunities.

The panel was informative. I was surprised by the number of things that resonated with me. One key takeaway I will keep in mind as I work with students is the importance of student's being exposed to a broad range of technologies while encouraging them to avoid narrowing their focus too soon.

Many of my students believe that pursuing post-secondary education isn't necessary for success in this career pathway. Having more information on this topic would be valuable for advising students effectively and helping them understand the various educational options available to support their career goals

Ways I can help connect students to this career pathway is by encouraging a more intentional focus on highlighting our tech classes and programs by helping to facilitate field trips to our CTE building, supporting teachers with incorporating tech career pathway information into their lessons, and keeping students and parents informed about opportunities to deepen their knowledge through special programs and events that are happening throughout the school year and summer.

I appreciate the fact that career readiness activities open the students' eyes to the world of endless possibilities.

It’s challenging when I encounter students who are reluctant to embrace the opportunity to explore their options. Helping them see the value in keeping an open mind can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

Strengthening a student's understanding of themselves helps them to connect their post-secondary goals with their personal interests, values, and strengths. When students have a sense of who they are and what they truly enjoy, they are better able to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and stay motivated while pursuing a pathway that is hopefully meaningful and fulfilling.

What is one thing I leaned from today's panel?

I learned that communication and people skills are at the top of many employers' skill requirements when hiring for a position within the company (along with specific skills for the job). Students need to be able accept feedback and constructive criticism from fellow employees and management.

What is one think I am still curious about or need more information on?

I am curious about what are the starting salaries/wages for these companies. Students need to weigh their options about either going straight to the work force or going to school to earn a degree or certificate.

How can I help students balance their interests with careers in demand?

I would like to set up times to go into classrooms to help guide students to find careers that align with their interests. I would use the https://www.mynextmove.org/ that helps guide students to their "dream jobs."

One thing I learned from the panel is that there are apprenticeships in more fields than I realized.

One thing I wondered as I listened to the presenters is if preference is given to applicants who reside in Kent County for the apprenticeship opportunities that are there.

In order to help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships, I need to learn more about them myself by visiting local unions, talking to people who work in the trades, and contacting businesses to learn more about opportunities, programs, requirements, the application process, etc.

One thing I learned from listening to the panel is that students need to be reminded how important it is to have strong soft skills, regardless of their chosen career pathway. Even for fields in which it may seem that there won't be the need for individuals to much interaction with other people. Additionally, I found it interesting that the physical therapist emphasized the importance of having a strong understanding of physics for anyone pursuing a career in that field.

All of the panelists are based in Kent County and referenced the job market on the west side of the state. I'm curious how their insights compare to the job market in Southeast Michigan.

I can help students balance their interests with careers in demand by assisting them with securing opportunities to shadow, volunteer, intern, and network with professionals who work in their fields of interest. This will provide my students with valuable insight into what a particular career is truly like and help them determine if they are genuinely interested in pursuing it.

I was not very familiar with apprenticeships before today. I found it very interesting that there are so many options in which it is paid experience.

I would like to learn more about all the different kinds of careers that offer apprenticeships. I always thought of apprenticeships in the skilled trades career cluster. I was surprised by the early childhood development apprenticeships, plus I noticed some healthcare apprenticeships. I would like to do some research as to what other career fields offer apprenticeships that will appeal to more students than just the ones who are interested in skilled trades.

I think the more I learn about opportunities, the more I can teach my students. I liked hearing about the open houses that some of the organizations host. Additionally, Michigan Works would be a great place to point students to who are interested in learning more.

I enjoy networking, but it also helps that I can just do it because I like talking to my peers and not because I am trying to find a new job, because I would not want someone to feel like I'm just reaching out to them just because I need a new job.

When I think of networking, I think of interaction, connection, professional friendships, learning

I can admit, 20 years into my career, that a family connection is what got me into an internship (and a long-term sub position), although people knew me before I received this opportunity. However, I worked hard to make a professional and personal impression where I earned co-workers' respect on the basis of my work.

What do you enjoy most about career readiness activities?

I enjoy when I can see a student is really paying attention and is starting to make connections. I always tell them that some of them may just be going through the motions when doing our Xello career activities, but when they are ready to truly learn, it is a great tool.

What do you find most challenging about teaching or planning activities for career readiness?

When students are just going through the motions just to check off the box that they completed an activity. It is harder to do in groups, although it may be the most efficient way of working with students. I'm pretty good at reaching those tough-to-work-with students in one-on-one situations.

In what ways does strengthening a student’s understanding of themselves help them to be more satisfied with their college and career goals?

I try to appeal to their desire to be happy. Why not try to learn more about yourself - what you like to do, what will give you the lifestyle you are hoping for - and not waste your time chasing a college major or jobs that won't get you what you want? You only have so much time to work and earn money, so why waste your time? And if you are going to spend so much time working in your life, why not find something you'll enjoy?

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel?

That some in industry find the college experience, at least in terms of job skills, may give a lesser background than having a "boot camp" experience. It was also interesting to learn that military experience with IT was most beneficial due to the security concerns; that is something I will share with students going forward.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? 

The fact that the employers seem so comfortable saying that they are primarily looking for workers that have "natural curiosity" when I'm pretty sure that the human resources people that are actually making the hiring decisions are looking for certain degrees. I wish it was as easy as looking for a certain mentality versus the academic background, but I doubt that employers are willing to do that much training, and that is unfortunate because there are people that are willing to learn but just don't have the specific major. I'm curious how disconnected the actual CEOs are from their actual hiring practices, because I wish people could be given chances (a few of the panel members did acknowledge that they are looking for degrees).

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology?

I think I'm going to push students that are indifferent to schedule choices to at least try AP Computer Science Principles. Students find it to be an "easy AP class" and they all want the AP boost (we give a .5 boost to AP grades toward the GPA), and who knows - they may stumble upon a talent. We just added a Python class, so them mentioning it brought this whole idea to mind. I may also add that Cali.org to our Schoology class groups pages.

I enjoy networking, but it also helps that I can just do it because I like talking to my peers and not because I am trying to find a new job, because I would not want someone to feel like I'm just reaching out to them just because I need a new job.

When I think of networking, I think of interaction, connection, professional friendships, learning

I can admit, 20 years into my career, that a family connection is what got me into an internship (and a long-term sub position), although people knew me before I received this opportunity. However, I worked hard to make a professional and personal impression where I earned co-workers' respect on the basis of my work.

I enjoy how diverse all of the activities are. From inventories, to collages, to presentations, to partner activities...the list is endless.

The most challenging thing for me is finding the time to plan and deliver these in the classroom. There are so many other hats that counselors wear and I wish certain things were prioritized so that there was more time to spend on career activities.

It is crucial for students to understand themselves and what interests them because they will spend a majority of their adult time at their job. Doing what interests someone makes their job so much more meaningful and enjoyable.

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel?

That there is SUCH a difference in pay between apprentice iron workers and journeyman iron workers (although I find it interesting that they include the value of the benefits in their "pay")

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on?

I would like to know about how many apprenticeship spots are actually available, especially in the iron workers and the plumbers union. I have had students all excited about entering apprenticeship programs in the past, only to be let down when they are told they aren't taking applications at that moment (even though the programs tell us when we've taken visits that they're desperate for new workers?!). 

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships?

It was helpful to hear about the Medical Assistant opportunities because we have a Medical Assistant class at my school, and while I tell students that the class prepares them for the Medical Assistant test, I did not know anything about the actual employment process.

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel?

I learned how competitive physical therapy doctorate programs are; 3.9+ GPA expectations? Ouch!

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? 

I am curious about industrial engineering. My daughter is majoring in engineering, and although it appears she is moving towards civil engineering, I would like to learn more about industrial engineering and discuss it with her.

How can you help students balance their interests with careers in demand?

I have been stressing to my students lately that they have to at least be a LITTLE willing to step outside of their comfort zone. A lot of students may not love math, science, or writing, but I guess I'm going to have to sell them on how at least being willing to accept them will open up more opportunities. Not everyone is going to be an influencer! I thought they gave great advice on constructive criticism and soft skills that I will share (and have in the past).

Something I learned from Denise is how much tech goes into a business. How much pizza has to be ready during the day! So cool!

I am curious where students can find job shadowing opportunities at.

One way to connect students to learn more about careers in tech is to Encourage career exploration! Encourage open discussion, invite speakers to come in and attend career fairs.

What is 1 thing I learned during today's panel?

I learned many things, but the biggest take away for me was the fact that there is such a broad spectrum regarding the need for formal education. My students need to know that they may or may not need a degree in order to do the work they want to do. It is paramount that they understand the variations and where that may place them in the job market or keep them out of opportunities. Several of my students are teaching themselves programming languages using open sources and understand that their knowledge can lead to a job, but they need to know that having the knowledge, having a certification may not yield the position they are seeking. A degree may be necessary. Knowing this will hep them to determine a more effective path for them.

One thing I still have a question about?

Well, I do think it is confusing to think of the various ways to achieve a successful job in this profession, and I am glad to know there are so many resources and opportunities out there. I do wonder, though, what the levels of pay are. What kind of salary should students expect to start? This is compounded by what various companies require for education, I realize, so it's a challenge for me to feel that what is available as "typical" wages in the field is accurate. It is obvious that this is a huge growth area, but the entry pay, middle pay and upper pay are hard to know. Additionally, many students know of people who have huge salaries and seem to have little formal education...Tying the education and pay is a real difficulty. I wish it was easier to pull data that I could be confident in that puts the two together. Even the panelists admitted to the differences.

How do I connect students to learn more ? I think there are many ways to do this. They should talk to people they know in the industry. I can help them make connections, if they need them. The panelists were great. Having them from such different areas was very useful. Job Shadowing is a great way for anyone to get a better idea of whether they are interested in a particular kind of work. Another thing is probably the most obvious--do some research. We use Naviance at my school, and it contains a lot of information about every aspect of careers. Something else I would have them do is take coursework. We require our students take coding, so all of our students are exposed to computer language. If they like it, they can continue down that path in high school. Something else is to connect them with a robotics team. Some of my students are involved and they love it. When I am asked by a student, I always lead them to a classmate who is involved. They are the best resource/recruiter.

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The one thing I am curious about is the West Michigan Works website. I will have to look into that and look specifically at the medical assistance program. We have many students interested in the medical field and this might be helpful.

I can help students learn more about these opportunities by posting them on our counseling website.

From today's panel I learned that there a lot of opportunities for students to shadow. It seems like most of the companies were willing to show students what their jobs are like.

I have not worked with the ISD in trying to set up shadowing, other than ground hog shadow day, which unfortunately is a thing of the past.

I would just encourage students to go out there and shadow anyplace, even if it is with a family member. See what aspects of their job they like or dislike. It just might spark some interest. (And from there they might be willing to explore other careers)

) I had no idea Steepletown Neighborhood Services even existed. What a cool service!

) I'm curious about what the Steepletown Neighborhood Services application process looks like.

) My plan is to show recordings like this during our advisory times. We'll also pull Naviance data to share specific information for students interested in particular fields.

I learned that there is no specific training required for being a paralegal work. Though, it makes sense that most firms hire people an associates, or some would pay for it.

I'm still curious about how to advise students who are interested in the HVAC world. Mr. Weisbrodt mentioned that they hire students right out of high school, out of GRCC, and out of Ferris. I also agree that staying out of debt is the best route. So which route should I encourage? Or are there specific qualities that would make them better suited for specific routes.

I can help students balance their interests with careers demand by connecting them with professionals in the field and exposing them to all of the various roles within that field.

One thing I learned is a little more about industrial engineering, which is a field I didn't know much about. It seems like a good option for someone who is interested in engineering but wants a lot of variety in their work.

I'm still curious about the starting salaries vs. the salaries once they've been in the career for a few years.

I think encouraging students to research the job market outlooks for different careers. Additionally, if there is a career a student is interested in that doesn't have a good projection, help them find similar types of careers that might have more prospects.

Do you enjoy networking? Yes, very much. It was a very important part of being a counselor.

What words come to mind when you think of networking? Collaboration, Sharing and Professional.

Have you ever heard about an opportunity or been considered for an opportunity because of a connection? Yes, 3 of my 4 best work opportunities happened because of networking.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? I can't say there's simply one thing, however I really liked what was mentioned near the beginning that technology is used to help deliver what the customer wants. I believe the exact wording was "we are sending the customer a coupon, however we want to send the customer a coupon that they want." Technology is used to accomplish this.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I would like more concrete information (examples) of all the possible career paths a young person could follow to earn one of these careers. I found it very attractive that these careers don't necessarily require a 4 year degree, however I would like a more information of examples to share.

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? In the Great Lakes Bay Region, Bay-Arenac Career Center offers programs in technology that seemed very solid. When I was a counselor I was aware of the programs at a very superficial level, however I believe these were great programs. I also believe these programs allowed students to earn credentials and have the opportunity for employment. I would utilize the counseling staff at the BAISD Career Center as contacts for students to reach out to, these are some of our local experts.

Name: Hanna Angst

Title: School Counselor

School: Laingsburg High School, 9-12 grade

Why did you register for this course? What are you most excited about? I registered for this course because I am a new counselor. I want to work to implement new opportunities for career exploration for our students and I want to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate and ASCA aligned.

One thing I learned from the panel is that you can earn college credits for some apprenticeships and many of them will reimburse you for any fees that you have to pay for tests/licensing.

One thing I would like to know more about or explore more is the ApprenticeShipUSA site that Joel talked about.

I can help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships by having them research opportunities online, I can bring in speakers, and by also having students look into the pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships that were mentioned in the panel.

One thing I learned from the panel was that many jobs have different entry levels. I did not realize that some of these careers cand be started with a high school education and people can work their way up and get training and certification along the way.

One thing I am still curious about is how to connect students with employers. The panelists did mention that contacting someone in an HR department might be a way to start and the Career Readiness Network could also serve as a resource for this.

One way to help students balance their career interests with careers in high demand would be to show them all of the possibilities that exist in that particular field. A few of the panelists mentioned that they knew they wanted to go into a specific field but did not know of the exact job they wanted. If students could hone in on a specific career cluster or field, the job will fall into place along the way.

I enjoy networking with other professionals when it has relevance and helps me further my practice.

Listservs, conferences and other PD

Yes, many times.

I enjoy networking with other professionals when it has relevance and helps me further my practice.

Listservs, conferences and other PD

Yes, many times.

The panel was super interesting. Being in the same career for nearly 30 years, it is hard to really know and understand what people in IT do and or can do. I was pleasantly surprised to hear so much about the focus on curiosity, research and communication. The geek squad stereotype was blasted by this group in favor of more collaborative, teams, and lifelong learning as necessitities.

I am so curious about how students or (even adults looking to pivot from something) even know what these jobs are and how to work into them. It seems really non traditional as far as what career exploration has looked like in our library (firefighter, teacher, engineer, game developer etc).

That is the million dollar question I would like to have answered. I would honestly like to show this video to students b/c it is really helpful to see and hear what these folks do and how they work together with other folks to solve problems for business and industry. I guess I would lean into resources through MCDM.

In my classroom, this often looks real world as we connect with adults and professionals for news stories and publications--I love seeing my students making connections about what they do at our school and how it translates into a real career on the outside of our building.

I think the most challenging aspect is keeping up with resources, finding the time to share and implement etc. When it occurs naturally b/c of our topic of study (journalism, broadcasting, lighting/tech, etc) it is much easier to implement and put together.

I think knowing yourself and knowing what you really love and hate is a big part the way you choose career pathways.. if you aren't a desk job person for example, and need to be on the move, that's a big part of your core decision making in the types of jobs that will appeal to you. Kids have to learn it's about more than money--but also that money is important too :)

I do not enjoy networking in term of going to event. However, I do sometimes enjoy getting to know people and having conversations with new people.

When I think of networking, I think of small talk and awkward conversations.

Yes, I have my current job now due to connections that I made when I was a teacher.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? I learned (or rather remembered) the importance of reminding students that they can always change career paths.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I would love to learn more about how we can best connect students with opportunities in the computer science/technology world and how we can build these important skills that the experts discussed.

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? I can connect students through robotics, stem programs, job shadowing, and career explorations (through different web pages).

I enjoy watching students find and explore their interests and also helping students to understand that their interests can lead to jobs in the future.

I find it challenging to present career readiness activities to younger elementary students. For them it seems so far away that it can be hard for them to conceptualize or understand the importance of.

At the elementary level, strengthening a student's understanding of themselves is vital. At this age, they are not ready to begin intense career planning but learning about themselves and their interest is developmentally appropriate and a helpful first step.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? I learned that apprenticeship programs cover many different career pathways. I did not image early childhood education to be part of an apprenticeship program.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I would love to learn more about apprenticeship programs that are in the Lansing area for high school students.

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships? I can help students to learn about these opportunities by learning about the programs in our area and then using student's EDPs and our quarterly meetings with students to engage students that are interested in these fields.

I don't always enjoy networking because I am a quiet introvert, so in a large room of people I'm not likely to walk up to someone and start talking. But in a small group of like professionals I do like learning things that I can use and take back to my building.

Akward, intimidating, informational

Inside organizations I have had my reputation help me. But I have not had a connection help me find a position that I would have been unaware of without networking.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? I really appreciated hearing about each of the fields and what their job entitles. It was especially helpful to have the webpage that lists high-demand careers.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I would love a place where I can find an ongoing list of internships or jobs for students that are interested in these high-demand fields. I think this would be helpful with connecting students with job shadowing opportunities and with building lists of professionals for career days.

How can you help students balance their interests with careers in demand? I learned that am important part about finding balance with interests and careers is exploration and research. It is important to use student interest to find career clusters or broad ranges of careers, but research can come in to help students learn about how their interests translate to careers that are in demand. In our school, it would be helpful to have these conversation and allow for exploration opportunities during the EDP process while they are determining how interests lead to jobs.

One thing I learned about is how there are high-wage, high demand jobs that are available regardless of education level. I think students who do not want to get advanced degrees can be reassured that there are options out there for them.

One thing that I would like more information on is how do I get students to have more access to businesses. As students think about doing internships, how can I help them become aware of opportunites that are out there, as well as help connect them to the right people?

In order to help my students make connections between their interests and high demand jobs, first I will work with them to discover just what those interests are. For that, we use Naviance. From there, it is important to help students recognize how many different areas they can go into within that career field. For this, I would have an assignment for students to go down the rabit hole of looking into all the possibilities that came up within a career field they were shown might interest them based upon their indicated interests.

Most students/families at our schools are familiar with the military, but are not very familiar with the career options within the military or the different branches of the military.

I would love to pursue more trainings in military options so I can better educate myself on how students learn about these careers and what steps students should take to enter into the military following high school.

Identify 3 careers for enlisted service members and 2 civilian career options from 1 branch. Careers should come from at least 3 different career zones which should also be identified. (E.g. Army - Military Career: Firefighter, Human Services)

3 careers for enlisted service members:

1. Navy- Military Career: Navy Musician, Arts & Communications

2. Navy- Military Career: Civil Engineer Corps (CEC), Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technology

3. Navy- Military Career: Physician Assistant, Health Sciences

   
   

   2 civilian career options

   1. Navy- Civilian Career: Firefighter, Human Services

   2. Navy- Civilian Career: Electrician, Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technology

Triangle: What are 3 big points you're taking from this session?

1. There are many different career options within each branch of the military

2. Each branch of the military has it's own specialities, missions, and key focus areas. However, many of the career options overlap.

3. Students can be involved in the military as a civilian without enlisting.

Circle: What is a question or topic that is still circling your mind? I would like to continue to learn more about the benefits (paid education, health insurance, salary for careers) of joining the military so I can better share this information with students.

Square: What is something that is "squaring" (resonating) with you from this session?

I am resonating with the idea that students/families/school staff/counselors are often not well educated on the options that are available for students in the military.

Most students/families at our schools are familiar with the military, but are not very familiar with the career options within the military or the different branches of the military.

I would love to pursue more trainings in military options so I can better educate myself on how students learn about these careers and what steps students should take to enter into the military following high school.

Unfortunately, I don't hear from many students or families about military careers. I am not sure if that is because many of my students aren't interested in the military or if it is because they don't get enough exposure it, so they simply don't know about it.

I think I need more information about how the military operates beyond basic training and deployments. How do people get into careers into the military? Do they have to be part of the military? If they are in a career in the military, is there a risk of deployment at any time?

One thing I Learned. I learned a lot. I learned that students interested in tech should absolutely start now and find "open source" technologies and start creating in their own "sandbox". I learned that there is not one right path to getting into the field; that for some getting a degree is good, that it gives the a broad foundation. For others certifications and bootcamp might be all it takes to launch their career.

One thing I am still curious about. I would like access to all of the resources and links that they mentioned during the panel. I have looked around the career readiness network website and can't find where they might be attached. They seem like they would be good to pass on.

How to connnect students. I would like to be able to pass on the links. We do have a great resouce in our local community college as well as our local ISD. I would also remind them that their people skills and their problem solving skills in general are just as important in making them valuable in the field as the specifics of code langauage.

I do enjoy networking if I am in a situation that I feel confident about or that I have professional experience in.

The first words that come to mind are; Communication, Connections and Resources

I have heard about an opportunity as well as been considered for a position while in a networking connection.

Being that I am not the most outgoing person (which sounds weird considering I'm a school counselor), networking sounds a little outside my comfort zone. However, the other part of my personality emphasizes "productivity," which would make networking more logical for me as it would serve a purpose in my professional life.

Connecting to others for the purpose of elevating your performance or enjoyment of something in your life.

It seems like most of my professional opportunities happened as a result of networking.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? Employees do not require a college degree or even any specific certification to land a technology position. It depends on the company and their philosophy. Some companies are open to hiring people who have "bootcamp" experience.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? It would nice to have a better handle on websites that offer a start in learning about technology for free.

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? Sharing the website resources is one way to do that. Luckily, our high school has a nice assortment of computer electives for students to develop a strong foundation in cyber technology. Promoting these computer classes would connect students to an efficient route to the computer field.

I like the fact that we are looking toward the future for students. Most students are interested and engaged during these activities because they recognize that high school is short, but what they choose as their work takes up a majority of their life.

We do not devote the time and planning career readiness deserves.

It helps them feel more confident in the careers they are preparing for. When they can see the relevance behind their classes at school, it makes the entire school experience more enjoyable. It also tends to translate into better performance.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel? West Michigan Works partners with employers to develop and manage programs they use to recruit and hire.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? This panel was awesome for creating awareness around several apprenticeship opportunities in West Michigan. I would be interested to find out more about unpaid internship experiences for students who are still in high school in more unconventional fields, like meteorology.

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships? This panel provided a lot of ideas for apprenticeships for students who are hands-on learners, and those who recognize they are not interested in pursuing a college degree. At SHS, the counselors conduct one-on-one interviews with every senior student. With the knowledge of apprenticeships offered by these companies, we could make sure students who are interested in the skilled trades are aware of these options (especially students who were not lucky enough to attend KCTC).

It was interesting to hear how the professionals found their way to the career. Many of these professions require more acadamia in their high school experience.

I think the engineering stuff is intriguing but not an area I am famailiar with.. I think trying to have additional resources on the differences would be helpful. Job shadowing not really an option for MS students.

I think it's important for student to learn what it costs to go to school, what portion they could have in debt and pair that against what they expect to earn when then enter the field they think they want. It has to add up. Also, I think more practical classes on what it costs to live and exist and then use the salary information to see if this is really going to work. Being broke isn't fun, even if the job sounds great.

I enjoy most when a student connects and discovers something that they are passionate about and realizes that there is something out there that they want to do and that it happens to be a career.

I find it challenging to help students see beyond the small world that they have been exposed to. You don't know what you don't know. If you don't know what is possible you aren't expired to to try and challenge yourself. But also to be realistic - very few of us are going to be professional athletes.

The better you understand yourself the more likely you are to find what you are passionate about. When you find what your are passionate about the more you are engaged in your college and career goals.

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel? Learning that so many tech positions are available that I wasn't aware of as well as the different amount of of education needed was eye opening to me.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I am wondering how best to get students more opportunities to learn about this career area and the new and upcoming types of work.

How can you connect students to learn more about careers in technology? I think some of the resources mentioned could be a good starting point while also looking for other avenues of exposure. Possibly using the local career center or one of the college career departments.

I enjoy seeing students getting excited about their future, what options and careers are available.

There is soooo much out there it is hard to pick and choose what is most important and to cover as much as we can, but make it meaningful and deep.

I think learning their strengths and weaknesses their likes and dislikes can help eliminate certain careers, so that they are able to focus and narrow down their career and college goals.

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel?

I learned that many apprenticeships are paid as well as earn certifications, which I was surprised to see.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? 

I am curious to know what resources like those presented are available in my area of the state specifically.

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships?

I will plan to use the MiWorks information as well as look into localized options as well as potentially set up a Zoom experience for my students to attend.

One thing I learned is how valuable our trades are and how many programs are out there and how to apply for these apprenticeships, earn while you learn. So much work out there; skyscrapers, bridges, buildings. Websites have applications right on site. Take applications every day. Construction isn't always the people with the tools. Easy to work their way up the ladder.

West Michigan Works post hot jobs lists every year. Updated with growth percentage, wages, increase in wages, etc.

Still curious about the paid training and how that works. Do you work extra or simultaneously?

I can help students balance their interests with careers in demand by visiting the hot jobs list, looking at everything the job entails like PTs also market and work in the community, some work in clinics and at home, in the pool, work in schools, work with local schools etc. Show students how companies develop plans and work with people. Just because you're a VP of a construction company you might not do anything with construction, they need marketers or project managers.

What is one thing you learned from today’s panel? I wasn't aware of the many opportunities that a student could start in right from high school. It is really important that those of us who are helping direct students into their post-secondary plans know what careers do and don't need to start with college.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on? I am curious to know the best way I could provide these opportunities for shadowing in my area.

How can you help students balance their interests with careers in demand? We use EDP planning from middle school to graduation and so our students are constantly being immersed in career planning however I think using a tool like the High Demand Careers list would be very useful for our students to make educated choices in their long term planning.

I hear the excitement and amount of money they will be receiving, the area they are going into and the opportunities they will receive.

The difference between ROTC, Reserves and Active Military in terms of schooling, cost and number of required years.

Navy

1. travel opportunities

   1. Stem-Nuclear engineers, meteorologists, sonar technicians

   2. Medical- corpsmen, dentist, surgeons

   3. Communications-public affairs, interpreters

   4. Trades- electricians, machinists

85% of careers in the military are not in active combat areas.

Marine corp physically demanding, fast pasted, combat environment. Educational benefits in Marine Corp.

Combat photographers and videographers in the Marine corp do they still go through all the training that is physically demanding?

The advancement of US space force and cyber securing, network warfare, exploration and satellite operations.

Identify 3 careers for enlisted service members and 2 civilian career options from 1 branch. 

What is one thing you learned from today's panel?

Actually, I learned several things I would like to mention. I learned about the West Michigan Works Hot Jobs List (2025). I was already aware for the Michigan Hot 50, but I think it's cool that students can look at a regionally refined list of jobs that are in high demand in our area. I also heard there are many paths to a career in HVAC ranging from hiring directly out of high school to individuals who have certificates and degrees that demonstrate their expertise in the field. I also heard that in the field of HVAC, advancement in a company is less dependent on specialized, HVAC focused education/training. Finally, I haven't heard of physical therapy techs prior to joining the panel. Pretty cool!

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on?

I would like to have a resource to look at careers or work that is in high demand in different areas of the United States. I'm not aware of such a resource, but I would be interested to look if it exists.

How can you help students balance their interests with careers in demand?

I think this is a good question, but I'm not sure if we should ever try to influence a student in any particular direction. It's our job to provide as much information as possible with what's available. Since different people value various career factors with just as many different levels of priority, I'm not sure it should be our goal to try to "balance" the way people feel about a career decision because it becomes such a huge part of their life.

This video will be provided in a link to be shared on our guidance webpage to make parents aware of these two career -specific classes offered at Sparta High School. The classes and their benefits are explained in the video. The intent is to involve families in the career planning aspect of students' education.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wozN_nzjMVbrBJzAOKxy-FjGshQqTSNh/view?usp=sharing

(please let me know if this link doesn't work)

a. I think this is a good way to reach many parents and it's convenient for families.

b. Currently, we don't have a way to measure how many families are accessing our guidance page video. Even if we can figure out a way to do that, we probably need to refine our strategy for advertising its (the video) availability.

What do you hear from students and families about military careers?

I hear a lot of pride from students and families; they are excited to make a positive contribution to their country, and they are often excited about their job placement (we had a student who was looking forward to being in the Military Police for the Marines).

What information do you need to help students make more informed choice about military options?

I would like to know more about the type of options students have about their job placements. I hear many of them receive "promises" about the type of jobs they will be able to get, but let's face it - the military needs infantrymen, and none of my students are ever told that they are going into Infantry. A good friend of mine went into the Marines and became a mortarman - not exactly a position with relevant job skills. Someone has to do it, though, but at least in my school, students tend to go if they are happy with their promised job placement.

Please see the below video to learn more about my project and to see pictures: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGnGT5H01Q/v4FsLsn6oAHB3anaP1aWzA/view?utm_content=DAGnGT5H01Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h5bc431e5ca

3. Reflection:

   1. I am planning to implement this program in the fall. I have heard good responses from teachers that are going to be part of the program in the fall. They like the idea of using the bins during centers and like that I will be introducing the bins prior to having them in their classrooms.

   2. I would like to find more toys for some of the bins (specifically business and communication systems).

   3. I see myself using these bins as weekly units based on the 6 career clusters. I will start the units in April and will finish by mid-May.

   4. Reflection on course:

      1. This course helped to provide me the background on the career clusters, which worked really well as a way to organize the toys into smaller groups.

What do you hear from students and families about military careers? Most students view military as those on the front lines. I don't think they realize the military is so much more than that.

What information do you need to help students make more informed choices about military options? I would love to have different branches come a nd speak with students. We typically get one or two every year. Maybe having more of a presence within our school would help. Sometimes it can be hard to gauge student interest, because many want to go straight into the workforce. We usually have maybe 1 student interested in the military. This could also be because they don't know or see it as an option.

Do you enjoy networking?

This is a lesson for 9th/10th graders on participating in Career Scavenger Hunt Bingo. They will use My Next Move as the resource.

There is a video provided within the worksheet on how I will use it with students next year.

I haven't used it yet, but plan on using next year with my 9th and 10th grade in the Fall. Once the students are complete with at least finding 2 bingos, I will have them share the google doc with me and I'll upload the completed bingo card to their SCOIR account in the My Drive Section as well as link it to their EDP.

I don't hear a lot from familes about military careers.

I think I need to hear that students can actually have real careers that are useful for life outside of the military.

I learned that you don't necessarily have to have a degree in computer science.

I need to know if there are any free cybersecurity programs available to see if someone likes to do it.

I can use some of the resources to give to students who may be interested or not sure of of what they would like to do.

Many of my students and their families are unaware of the wide range of career opportunities available in the military, beyond the traditional combat roles often portrayed in media. They don't realize that the military offers careers in the same pathways that exist outside of the military for civilians.

To help students make more informed decisions about military careers, it would be valuable for me to have a clearer understanding of the differences between each branch of service. Additionally, it would be beneficial for military representatives to place greater emphasis on the educational benefits, skill development opportunities, and long-term career pathways available within the military. I also believe it's equally important to engage and educate parents

Navy

a. Enlisted: Culinary Specialist, Musician, and Clinical Psychologist

b. Civilian: Human Resources Assistant, Environmental Protection Specialist

3 Big points

a. The military has a wide range of career opportunities

b. Understanding the differences of the primary missions of each branch can help students inform their decisions on which branch to join

c. Each branch has online resources that provide information about career opportunities.

Question: How difficult is it to pursue a different career in the military if one change's their mind on what they want to do.

Resonating: Pursuing an education and career through military service is a valuable option that deserves serious consideration.

What do you enjoy most about career readiness activities?

1. I enjoy learning new things that are transferrable. Students don't like the mundane, so we have to make learning fun, when we can.

What do you find most challenging about teaching or planning activities for career readiness?

1. Time. There is never enough time.

In what ways does strengthening a student's understanding of themselves help them to be more satisfied with their college and career goals?

1. To no ones self is paramount. If anyone of us can help a student understand themselves, then that is success. It can because a student who understands themselves will probably know what they want to do and hopefully attend a college/university/military/skill or trade that can better suit them, thus helping them thrive.

What do you hear from students and families about military careers?

The military is definitely the least considered option of our students' post high school plans. I think most people believe joining the military means a risky combat environment and are afraid to take advantage of the benefits the military can provide.

What information do you need to help students make more informed choices about military options?

Web resources like the ones shared in this module are super helpful to show students and families all the opportunities available in the military.

Air Force Enlisted Occupations:

a. Clinical Social Worker, Human Services

b. Operating Room Nurse, Health Science

c. HVAC Technician, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology

Air Force Civilian Occupations:

a. Veterinarian, Natural Resources and Agriscience

b. Childcare Provider, Human Services

c. Accountant, Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology

Triangle:

a. The military offers many opportunities, most do not involve active combat.

b. Each branch of the military focuses on their own specialty related to national security, but all of them require civilian-like workers and roles to help them operate.

c. The National Guard involves operations that are a combination of the Army and Air Force.

It is hard to wrap my head around all of the different avenues that combine service in the military with gaining a college degree.

I was shocked to hear in the video that 85% of service members do not participate in active combat!

What is one thing you learned from todays panel?

I learned quite a bit from each person on the panel. Brads information stood out to me because there is such a need for apprenticeships and I have to be the voice to let my students learn about alternative options.

What is one thing thing you are curious about or need more information on?

I am curious about how some of these businesses will survive with all of the cuts from the government.

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships?

Because some students are on the fence, I have a plethora of opportunities that they can learn about, hopefully peaking an interest to pursue.

What is one thing you learned from today's panel?

I learned that GRCC is a great place for students to go if they are undecided.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need more information on?

What is the one thing you learned from today's panel?

I learned about the importance of sharing this information with my students.

What is one thing you are still curious about or need mor information on?

I would like to know the steps that companies are taking to ensure that they will have enough grant money for students to take their apprenticeships if they are not free.

How can you help students learn about opportunities in apprenticeships?

It was helpful to learn about the differences between a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant. PT have to have a Doctorate and PTA's have to have an Associate Degree.