Category: Student Resources

Partner Spotlight: Some Lucky Employers Can “Grow Their Own”

Author: Mary Motiska

Published: March 28, 2025
Article originally written: November 25, 2024

While our schools certainly benefit from the many career-based learning experiences with local employers in the Inspire Wisconsin Network, they have the unique opportunity to “grow their own” by hosting experiences as well. The School District of Sheboygan Falls has implemented job shadowing as a pipeline development tool and sees the benefits for both students and staff alike.

“More than half of the teachers in the district have stepped up to provide students the opportunity to job shadow teachers. They are committed to growing the profession and ensuring students interested in pursuing education as a career have opportunities to learn from experienced teachers in classrooms, supporting our values to prepare students for their life and careers,” states School Superintendent Zach Pethan. 

“I appreciate the opportunity to host job shadow students, as I know we are needing more young people to pursue education as a career choice. If I can help spark or increase a student’s interest in teaching by simply opening up my classroom, I am happy to do so,” says Cassie Adelman, who teaches 5K at Sheboygan Falls Elementary.

“I love hosting students who are interested in pursuing an education degree. It allows me to share the joy and rewards of teaching young children. Watching them engage with and learn from my 4-year-old kindergarteners provides them with invaluable hands-on experience and reinforces the importance of building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. It’s a privilege to support their interest and inspire future educators,” adds 4K Teacher Nicole Granke. 

This effort, coupled with other initiatives aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s education workforce crisis, allows students to get a “behind the scenes look” and explore education as a viable career pathway. Students can get a head start in the career field through the new Education Pathways in the Youth Apprenticeship program, something they couldn’t do previously without at least some post-secondary schooling.

Whether you are considering a career in teaching, educational administration, or any other field within the education sector, the School District of Sheboygan Falls is just one partner committed to supporting students in achieving their goals. We encourage all interested students and their families to take full advantage of the opportunities available through Inspire Wisconsin in all industries. Stay tuned for more highlights of our partnerships, where we will showcase specific programs, share success stories, and provide ways to engage with Inspire Wisconsin. Together, we can make an even greater impact and help students build brighter futures.

Career Connected: How Inspire Wisconsin Enhances the “Career” in Career and Technical Education

Author: Candice Boutelle

February 14, 2025

Career & Technical Education (CTE) plays a crucial role in preparing students for their futures, yet many people associate it solely with traditional “tech ed” courses like woodworking or auto mechanics. While these fields are certainly part of CTE, the reality is that CTE encompasses a wide range of career pathways, including health sciences, information technology, business and marketing, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, and more. Each of these disciplines provides students with hands-on learning experiences that align with in-demand careers. At Inspire Wisconsin, we are proud to support CTE by connecting students with real-world career exploration opportunities, such as job shadows, virtual career conversations and Work Based Learning opportunities.

When students engage directly with professionals and workplaces, they gain a deeper understanding of career paths and develop critical skills that set them up for long-term success. These experiences not only help students make informed decisions about their futures, but they also provide employers with opportunities to inspire and shape the next generation of workers.

Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly recently highlighted the importance of CTE in a recent editorial. She emphasizes the role of CTE in creating strong career pathways and building a skilled workforce. We encourage parents, educators, and employers to read her piece and consider how they can support students through hands-on learning opportunities.

At Inspire Wisconsin, we believe that every student should have access to meaningful career-based learning experiences. Whether you’re an employer looking to engage with future talent or a parent guiding your child’s career journey, we invite you to be part of this important work.Learn more about how Inspire Wisconsin is helping students explore careers and gain real-world experience at InspireWI.org.

Learn About the Individual Request Process

Author: Candice Boutelle

October 14, 2024

Request Process Quick Guide by Candice Boutelle

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)

Tips on How to Set SMART Career Goals

Shared by Molly Stolp

August, 2024

Setting career goals in high school is a crucial step towards building a successful future. By defining your ambitions early on, you can make more informed decisions about your education and career path. A proven method for setting effective goals is the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here are some tips on how to set SMART career goals, using InspireWI.org as a resource.

1. Be Specific

When setting career goals, clarity is key. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one.

  • Define Your Interests: Start by exploring different career fields that interest you. InspireWI.org offers resources and articles about various professions that can help you identify your passions.
  • Set Clear Objectives: Instead of saying “I want to be successful,” specify what success looks like for you. For example, “I want to become a software engineer” is more precise and actionable.

2. Make Goals Measurable

Measurable goals help you track your progress and stay motivated. By setting criteria for measuring progress, you can see how far you’ve come and how much further you need to go.

  • Quantify Your Goals: If you aim to improve your grades, set a specific target, such as “I want to achieve a GPA of 3.8.”
  • Use Milestones: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. For instance, if you aim to get an internship, your milestones could include researching companies, writing a resume, and applying for positions.

3. Ensure Goals Are Achievable

It’s important to set goals that are realistic and attainable. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and discouragement.

  • Assess Your Skills: Be honest about your current skills and what you need to develop. Xello and many other sites offer online courses and resources to help you build the skills necessary to achieve your goals. Inspire Wisconsin is the platform to connect to career exploration opportunities. We can be a support to help you reach your goals!
  • Set Incremental Steps: Rather than aiming to achieve a major goal all at once, set smaller, incremental steps. For example, if you want to become a doctor, focus first on excelling in your science classes.

4. Keep Goals Relevant

Your goals should align with your interests and long-term career aspirations. Relevance ensures that your efforts are focused and meaningful.

  • Connect with Your Passions: Choose goals that genuinely interest you and align with your career aspirations. InspireWI.org provides career exploration tools to help you discover professions that match your interests.
  • Seek Guidance: Talk to mentors, teachers, and career counselors to ensure your goals are relevant and aligned with your future plans. InspireWI.org can help you connect with mentors in various fields.

5. Set Time-bound Goals

Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on achieving your goals within a specific timeframe.

  • Create a Timeline: Establish a timeline for each of your goals. For example, “I want to complete a summer internship in environmental science by the end of next summer.”
  • Monitor Your Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust your timeline if necessary. InspireWI.org offers tools to help you track your achievements and stay on schedule.

Setting SMART career goals can significantly enhance your chances of success. By being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you can create a clear roadmap for your future. Use the resources available on InspireWI.org to help you set and achieve your career goals. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and setting SMART goals is that crucial first step towards a fulfilling career.

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.

Importance of Mock Interviews

Shared by Molly Stolp

August, 2024

In today’s competitive job market, preparation is key. For students and educators alike, understanding the importance of mock interviews can significantly enhance career readiness and skill development. Mock interviews are not just practice—they are a vital component of career preparation that can provide invaluable benefits. Here’s why they matter and how Inspire WI can help you excel.

Why Mock Interviews Matter

1. Build Confidence and Reduce Anxiety

One of the most significant advantages of mock interviews is the confidence boost they provide. Facing a mock interviewer helps students and job seekers become familiar with the interview process, reducing anxiety and building the confidence needed for real interviews. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become.

2. Hone Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in interviews. Mock interviews offer a safe environment to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. This practice helps you refine your responses and improve your ability to answer questions thoughtfully, which is essential for making a positive impression on potential employers.

3. Receive Constructive Feedback

Mock interviews provide an opportunity to receive valuable feedback from experienced professionals or educators. This feedback can help you identify areas of improvement, such as body language, tone, or content of responses. Constructive criticism helps you refine your skills and address any weaknesses before facing a real interview.

4. Familiarize Yourself with Interview Questions

Preparing for common interview questions can be daunting. Mock interviews simulate real interview scenarios, allowing you to practice and prepare responses to typical questions. This preparation helps you feel more equipped and less surprised when encountering similar questions in actual interviews.

5. Develop Professional Etiquette

Mock interviews help students and job seekers practice essential professional etiquette, including proper dress code, punctuality, and polite communication. Understanding and practicing these elements beforehand ensures that you present yourself in the best possible light during actual interviews.

How Inspire WI Can Help

At Inspire WI, we are dedicated to equipping students and educators with the tools and resources necessary for successful career preparation. Here’s how our services can enhance your mock interview experience:

1. Mock Interview Event Organization

We offer support scheduling mock interview sessions and recruiting our network of career mentors to conduct these sessions, providing a realistic interview experience and personalized feedback.

2. Comprehensive Interview Prep Resources

Inspire WI provides a wealth of resources to help you prepare for interviews. From interview question guides to tips on professional etiquette, we offer materials that support your preparation and boost your confidence.

3. Networking Opportunities

Inspire WI connects students and job seekers with industry professionals and mentors. These connections offer additional insights and advice, further preparing you for the challenges of real interviews and career development.

4. Support for Educators

We also provide resources and support for educators who wish to incorporate mock interviews into their career readiness programs. Our goal is to help educators create effective and impactful interview preparation experiences for their students.

Get Started with Inspire WI

Ready to elevate your interview skills and career preparation? Visit Inspire WI to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your career goals. Investing time in mock interviews is an investment in your future. Embrace the opportunity to practice, learn, and grow with the support of Inspire WI and pave the way for a successful career ahead.

How to Stay Adaptable and Prepare for Future Challenges

3 Tips on How to Stay Adaptable and Prepared for Future Challenges

Shared by Molly Stolp

August, 2024

High school is a time of significant change and growth. As you prepare for your future, staying adaptable and ready for whatever comes next is essential. Here are three tips to help you stay adaptable and prepared, using InspireWI.org as a valuable resource.

1. Embrace Lifelong Learning

One of the best ways to stay adaptable is to commit to lifelong learning. The more you learn, the more prepared you’ll be to handle future challenges. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Explore the Virtual Library: InspireWI.org offers various virtual webinars courses that can help you develop new skills or deepen existing ones. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, arts, or humanities, there’s something for everyone.
  • Read and Stay Informed: Keep up with current events, read books, and follow topics that interest you. This will help you stay informed about the world around you and expose you to new ideas.
  • Participate in Workshops and Webinars: Attend events and webinars hosted on InspireWI.org to learn from experts and connect with other students.

2. Develop a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work. This mindset is crucial for staying resilient and open to new opportunities. Here are some ways to cultivate a growth mindset:

  • Embrace Challenges: See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. When you face a difficult situation, ask yourself what you can learn from it.
  • Learn from Feedback: Use feedback from teachers, peers, and mentors as a tool for improvement. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas where you can grow.
  • Celebrate Effort: Recognize and reward your efforts, even if the results aren’t perfect. This will encourage you to keep trying and improving.

3. Build a Support Network

Having a strong support network can help you navigate challenges more effectively. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Here’s how you can build and maintain your network:

  • Connect with Mentors: Find mentors who can provide advice and support based on their own experiences. InspireWI.org has resources to help you find and connect with mentors in your field of interest.
  • Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in school clubs, sports teams, and community organizations where you can meet people with similar interests and goals.
  • Give Back: Offer your support and knowledge to others. Building a network is a two-way street, and by helping others, you’ll also strengthen your own connections.

Staying adaptable and prepared for future challenges requires a commitment to learning, a positive mindset, and a strong support network. By leveraging resources like InspireWI.org, you can equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate high school and beyond. Embrace the journey of growth and stay prepared for a future full of possibilities.

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.