Author: Candice Boutelle
October 14, 2024
Request Process Quick Guide by Candice Boutelle
Category: Parents and Families Resources
Should You Do a Job Shadow?
Finding the Right Career Exploration Opportunities for High School Students
Author: Candice Boutelle
September 2024
Resource: Printable Job Shadow Infographic
Job Shadows are a career based learning experience (CBLE) that can have a tremendous impact on students who are engaged in identifying and pursuing a future career path. But are they right for everyone?
These “real world experiences” require collaboration from employers and career mentors who offer their expertise and resources. It’s important for students, parents, and educators to balance the desire for in-depth, highly individualized experiences with an understanding of the time and energy employers and career mentors invest in providing these experiences. When you consider the high volume of eligible students within a community and potential strain on engaged partners, ensuring that opportunities are well-matched with a student’s interest and readiness is critical to maintaining positive, productive partnerships.
So…still think you (or your student) should do a job shadow? Read on to find out.
By aligning interests and strengths with real-world experiences, students can enter the next stage of life with confidence and clarity. Importantly, the right activities should be chosen based on each student’s maturity and readiness. If it is early in the career exploration stage, start small. Inspire Wisconsin has a continuum of experiences to support student exploration. Understanding that resources are expended and real people are notified as part of the job shadow request process should indicate the importance of the experience!
To get this infographic in a printable format, click HERE (Printed on 2 sheets 8.5”x11” paper)
Equipping Career Mentors for Success
August, 2024
Author: Candice Boutelle
Resources: Career Mentor Flyer
Equipping Career Mentors for Success
At Inspire Wisconsin, we believe that hands-on, career-based learning is crucial in helping students explore potential career paths. Central to this effort are our career mentors—dedicated professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the next generation of talent.
Who Are Our Career Mentors?
Career mentors are employees from our partnering employers who have a passion for their work and a desire to share their knowledge with students. These individuals volunteer to participate in career-based learning experiences, acting as content experts in their respective fields. Whether they are involved in job shadows, classroom speaking engagements, or mentoring activities like mock interviews and career fairs, our career mentors play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment
Creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount when it comes to career exploration. To ensure the well-being of all students, Inspire Wisconsin requires all new career mentors to undergo a background check. This standard practice is just one of the ways we protect students while allowing them to engage in meaningful career exploration activities.
Inspire Coordinators are dedicated to supporting both mentors and students. They provide valuable resources, suggestions, and guidance to help plan positive and impactful experiences. Whether it’s advice on how to engage students during a job shadow or tips for making a classroom presentation more interactive, our coordinators are there every step of the way.
The Mentor Training Process
Recognizing the importance of preparedness, we are pairing our existing policies and resources with structured mentor training. This training ensures that every career mentor is equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to create enriching learning experiences for students.
The mentor training process covers several key areas:
1. **Understanding the Role of a Career Mentor:** Volunteers learn about the significance of their role in students’ academic and career planning. They are introduced to the different opportunities available for mentorship, from job shadows to participating in career fairs.
2. **Best Practices for Engagement:** We provide practical tips on how to engage students effectively, whether in one-on-one settings or larger group environments. This includes strategies for clear communication, maintaining student interest, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and curiosity.
3. **Safety and Ethical Considerations:** Mentors are trained on the importance of maintaining a safe environment, including understanding the boundaries of their role and the significance of the background check process. They are also briefed on ethical considerations when interacting with students.
4. **Resource Utilization:** Mentors are guided on how to make the most of the resources provided by Inspire Coordinators. This includes how to integrate suggested activities into their mentorship, how to tailor their approach based on student needs, and where to find additional support if needed.
By providing this comprehensive training, Inspire Wisconsin ensures that our career mentors are not only content experts but also effective and responsible guides for the students they mentor. With the right preparation, these volunteers can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, helping them to navigate their educational journey and explore the world of work with confidence. You can view the Career Mentor Training on our YouTube page.
Employers: Share this resource with your employees interested in becoming a career mentor.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
Shared by Molly Stolp
August, 2024
Networking isn’t just for professionals; it’s a valuable skill that high school students can benefit from as well. Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities, provide guidance, and help you achieve your academic and career goals. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts of networking for high school students, using InspireWI.org as a helpful resource.
Do Start Early
- Engage in School Activities: Join clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities to meet peers with similar interests. These activities are great for building connections and developing teamwork skills.
- Attend Events: Participate in school events, community activities, and career fairs. These are excellent opportunities to meet new people and expand your network. Check out events listed on InspireWI.org to find opportunities in your area.
Do Be Genuine
- Be Yourself: Authenticity is key in networking. People are more likely to remember and support you if you are genuine and sincere in your interactions.
- Show Interest in Others: Ask questions and show interest in the people you meet. Networking is a two-way street, and showing genuine curiosity can help build stronger connections.
Do Use Online Resources
- Leverage InspireWI.org: Utilize the resources available on InspireWI.org to explore career paths, find mentorship opportunities, and connect with professionals in various fields.
- Create a LinkedIn Profile: As you start building your network, consider creating a LinkedIn profile. It’s a professional platform that can help you connect with mentors, teachers, and professionals.
Do Follow Up
- Stay in Touch: After meeting someone, follow up with a thank-you email or message. This helps keep the connection alive and shows that you value the relationship.
- Maintain Relationships: Networking is not just about making new connections but also about maintaining existing ones. Regularly check in with your contacts and offer your help if possible.
Do Seek Mentors
- Find a Mentor: Having a mentor can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your academic and career journey. InspireWI.org can help you find mentors in various fields who are willing to share their experiences and advice.
Don’t Be Shy
- Take Initiative: Don’t wait for others to approach you. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and start conversations. Being proactive can help you make more connections.
- Overcome Fear: Networking can be intimidating, but don’t let fear hold you back. Remember, everyone was once in your shoes and is likely willing to help.
Don’t Be Pushy
- Avoid Aggressiveness: While being proactive is important, avoid being overly aggressive or pushy. Respect others’ time and boundaries.
- Don’t Ask for Favors Immediately: Build a relationship first before asking for any favors or help. Networking is about mutual support, not just taking.
Don’t Forget to Listen
- Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and show that you are interested. Active listening can help you learn more and build stronger connections.
- Avoid Interrupting: Let others speak and avoid interrupting them. Showing respect in conversations is crucial for building positive relationships.
Don’t Limit Yourself
- Expand Your Horizons: Don’t limit your network to just your school or immediate community. Look for opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and industries.
- Explore Diverse Interests: Join different clubs, attend various events, and explore a range of interests. This can help you meet a wider variety of people and discover new opportunities.
Don’t Forget to Give Back
- Offer Help: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your help and support to others in your network whenever possible.
- Share Opportunities: If you come across opportunities that might benefit someone in your network, share them. Helping others can strengthen your connections and build goodwill.
Networking is a valuable skill that can benefit high school students in many ways. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can build a strong network that supports your academic and career goals. Utilize resources like InspireWI.org to explore opportunities, find mentors, and connect with professionals. Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships and supporting each other on your journey.
5 Ways to Discuss Careers with Your Kids
Shared by Molly Stolp
August, 2024
Talking to your kids about their future careers can be a daunting task. However, having these discussions early and often can help them make informed decisions and feel supported in their career journey. Here are five ways to discuss careers with your kids, using Inspire Wisconsin (InspireWI.org) and other great resources.
1. Start Early and Keep It Casual
The earlier you start discussing careers with your kids, the more comfortable they will feel exploring their interests and options.
- Incorporate “Career Talks” into everyday conversations: Use everyday situations to talk about different jobs and careers. For example, when watching a movie or reading a book, discuss the various professions depicted.
- Explore Interests: Encourage your kids to talk about what they enjoy doing and what subjects they like in school. This can be a natural lead into discussing related careers.
2. Use Resources for Career Exploration
Leveraging online resources can provide your kids with a wealth of information about different careers.
- Explore InspireWI.org: This offers tools and resources to help students discover various career paths and educational opportunities. Encourage your kids to take career quizzes or read about different professions to spark their interest.
- Know the Options: Programs like Youth Apprenticeship allow high school students to gain hands-on experience in various industries. Understanding what is available within your district and discussing these opportunities can give your kids a practical understanding of potential careers.
3. Connect Careers to Interests and Strengths
Help your kids see the connection between their interests, strengths, and potential careers.
- Identify Strengths and Talents: Talk to your kids about what they’re good at and enjoy doing. Whether it’s a knack for science, a love for art, or strong communication skills, there are careers that align with these strengths.
- Explore Matching Careers: Use online resources to research careers that match your kids’ interests and strengths. This can help them see the possibilities and get excited about their future.
4. Encourage Exploration
Hands-on experience can be invaluable in helping your kids understand what different careers entail.
- Job Shadowing Opportunities: Encourage your kids to shadow professionals in fields they are interested in. This can provide a real-world look at what different jobs are like on a day-to-day basis. Have your child put in a request at inspirewi.org.
- Career Exploration Events: If you child isn’t sure which path is right, attending various career exploration events can help expose them to many different careers, even some they may not have considered.
5. Support Their Exploration and Decision-Making
Your support and encouragement can make a significant difference in how your kids approach their career planning.
- Be a Good Listener: Listen to your kids’ thoughts, fears, and aspirations without judgment. This will help them feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns with you.
- Provide Guidance Without Pressure: Offer advice and guidance, but let your kids take the lead in making decisions about their future. Encourage them to explore and be open to different possibilities.
- Use Mentorship Programs: InspireWI.org can help connect your kids with mentors in various fields. Having a mentor can provide valuable insights and support as they navigate their career path.
Discussing careers with your kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, connecting careers to interests and strengths, encouraging hands-on experience, and supporting exploration, you can help your kids make informed decisions about their future. Remember, your support and encouragement are crucial in helping them navigate this important journey.
Welcome to the Inspire WI Network
We are excited to bring you the Inspire WI Network Blog as a resource for our partners: Employers, Educators, Students and Parents. We hope to bring you a wide variety of topics that will help employers maximize their Inspire WI partnership and build a talent pipeline and assist in the academic career planning process for students, schools, and parents – ultimately creating a more career ready Wisconsin.
If you have questions or suggestions for topics, please contact your Local Inspire Coordinator. General inquiries can be submitted on our Connect Page. We will not be hosting comments at this time.
Let’s dive in!
What is the Inspire WI Network
Inspire WI is a 501c(3) serving employers and school partners across 26 counties in Wisconsin to date through five regionalized teams. In addition to being a standalone nonprofit, our regional teams of Inspire Coordinators are deployed from several of the state’s Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs #1, #5, #6, #8 and #9) and the Waupaca Area Chamber Foundation. Originally founded as Inspire Sheboygan County, Inc in 2013, Inspire now aims to align the needs of workforce development and academic and career planning across the state. You can learn more about the organic growth of the network on our timeline.
Inspire WI provides a “one-stop shop” for employers, educators and students to engage in career based learning experiences. Businesses leveraging Inspire’s expertise in building quality programming and student communication engage more efficiently and effectively with their future workforce. Schools can increase capacity and efficacy of academic and career planning with the support of Inspire WI. A centralized hub saves individual regions time and resources, allowing them to build stronger connections between business and education in local communities.
How it works
Employers choose activities that will help develop a talent pipeline in specific business areas which, in education, are referred to as career clusters. These activities can take place in the classroom or on site at the business. Educators and students looking for career exploration opportunities can request these activities through the Inspire WI system. Automatic communications help the user connect with the appropriate business contact and complete the activity. These connections enhance classroom learning and help students identify career pathways that may be suited to their individual skills and interests. This is just one way Inspire is helping to create career readiness and awareness around region’s in-demand career paths. Contact your local deployment to learn more about available resources and services and get a more in depth demonstration of the system.
Once a partner joins the network, a local Inspire coordinator will help you strategically identify activities and resources to meet your organization’s individual goals.
For Businesses, those goals might be:
- Increase brand recognition
- Increase student/educator awareness of our career opportunities
- Develop a talent pipeline for immediate job openings
- Provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for our staff
- Improve employability skills among students
- Support exploration of potential pathways after high school
Schools may join the Inspire WI Network to achieve any of the following:
- Expand academic and career planning resources
- Increases awareness & emphasis on employability skills for students
- Increase awareness of business and industry career opportunities within your community
- Increase work-based learning opportunities and job preparedness of students
- Support classroom curriculum and program enhancements
What are the benefits to partners?
As a centralized resource connecting businesses to over ⅓ of the state’s public school districts, (as of the 23/24 school year) thousands of students are engaging with professionals in their own communities each year. The process of connecting is streamlined and user-friendly, and Inspire programming provides equity for all students through virtual content and other programming. Even small businesses and districts benefit by leveraging Inspire in marketing and recruitment efforts and as a resource for ACP and career readiness initiatives. Inspire WI regional teams possess a wealth of expertise in trends in Education and Workforce Development in Wisconsin. This collaboration yields best practices that prove effective across many communities and industry sectors.
To get involved, contact your Regional Inspire Coordinator, or use our contact us form.