COURSE DESCRIPTION AND SYLLABUS

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This program is designed to give students a basic understanding of the job market and the different careers available in various industries. Participants will examine the most common industries as well as various job titles and descriptions from the most popular to the least, creating a road map guiding students to the right career and the education requirements to succeed.  During the 8-week program, students will gain the knowledge necessary to make sound career goals that are practical and within reach before graduating from high school, leading students on a path of certainty and a road with fewer obstacles. By channeling their interests and talents, we can help them answer the age-old question, “what do I want to do when I grow up?”

Teaching/ Learning Philosophy:

A Career Learning Community

This course is grounded in the belief that having a basic understanding of the job market will lead to success. The course will provide a learning experience in which everyone will be expected to contribute through research and in-class presentations. *Any ideas or suggestions are welcome and will be much appreciated.  This course will guide each student on the right path to their career choices, first, by having the participants pledge to be responsible for their success. Students will be given an interest and talents survey (i.e.) career interest and assessment questionnaire to discover their likes and dislikes.  Homework will be given on specific topics; this will ensure that students are learning outside the classroom.  In addition, a course survey will be given for much-needed feedback on the curriculum. Guest speakers will be asked to join whenever available to inform the participants about specific job titles of which they are experts.  Field trips are optional but encouraged. Students are encouraged to go to work with their parents to get firsthand experience that can be shared in class. By doing so, students will have a better understanding of the job market and incorporate classroom information into real-world experience. (Classroom vs. Real World Experience).

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Acquire a basic understanding of the job market
  • Research educational requirements for specific job titles
  • Discovering new job titles while sparking new interest
  • Use talents and interests to help find that perfect career.
  • Create an atmosphere of learning, passing knowledge from student to student
  • Understanding the importance of research, collaboration, and networking in the learning process
  • Have a good idea of the best-suited career path as early as possible based on interest.
  • Learning how to navigate better and interpret job descriptions.

Topics

  • Medical Industry
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Law enforcement (Federal/State)
  • Trades/ Military
  • IT/Computer & Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Human Services/NPOs

Syllabus

Class will meet each week on Tuesday/Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Week 1

Day 1: Introduction: getting to know each other and discussing goals, interests, and talents. Giving an overview of the class and what is to be expected.

Day 2: Survey will be conducted to better understand student’s interests and talents. Discussion will follow afterwards.

Day 3 to 5: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Week 2

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: Discussion on the Medical industry.
Homework: (Discussion on the Medical industry) research different job titles and what they do.

Day 4 &5: Discussion on the IT/computer industry.
Homework: research (IT/ computer technology industry): different job titles and what they do.

Week 3

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3 In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Day 4 & 5: In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Week 4

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: Discussion on the Law industry [state/federal].
Homework: research different job titles and what they do.

Day 3 &4: Discussion on the Trades/Military.
Homework: Research different job titles and what they do.

Week 5

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic

Day 4 & 5: In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Week 6

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: Discussion on Human Services & NPO’s.
Homework: research different job titles and what they do.

Day 4 &5: Discussion on Business Administration.
Homework:research different job titles and what they do.

Week 7

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: In class Presentation: Human Services all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Day 4 & 5: In class Presentation: Business Administration all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Week 8

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: Discussion on Manufacturing.
Homework: research different job titles and what they do.

Day 4 &5: Discussion on Procurement

Week 9

Day 1: Assignments in course book: Focus on the Future

Day 2 &3: In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic..

Day 4 & 5: In class Presentation: all students will be expected to present their findings on the topic.

Upon completion of this course, students will be given a survey with detailed questions asking about the benefits of the course and their outlook on the future. Also, what they have learned from the course.  Students will have an action plan and gain deeper understanding of their career goals. The ago old question “What do you want to do when you grow up?” may be explored and perhaps answered.