Giving Compass' Take:

• Tom Vander Ark at Getting Smart argues that work experiences can be as important as formal education (high school and college in particular) in terms of shaping career preferences and readiness.

• How will broadening career service plans bolster students’ workforce opportunities? 

• In this article, researchers assess career preparation programs.

Connor loved making things. When he learned his high school had a relationship with a metal fabricator, he applied for an internship. Patrick, the owner, appreciated Connor’s interest and created a variety of valuable experiences for Connor. Patrick learned project management and scheduling, problem-solving and root cause analysis, professional standards, and tolerances.

Near the end of his first year at the fabricator, Connor was fired for goofing off—another important lesson. After apologizing, Connor was rehired for a second year. He helped make improvements to the company’s website. His internship confirmed his career trajectory and helped the company build the manufacturing talent pipeline.

The following are a few examples of schools and networks that do a pretty good job of ensuring that all learners have successful work experiences.

  • Big Picture. Students in the 65 U.S. Big Picture Learning schools participate annually in internships in high school often two days a week “with experts in their field of interest, completing authentic projects and gaining experience and exposure to how their interests intersect with the real world.”
  • NAF. Students in the 618 career academies in the NAF networks complete internships as juniors. They earn NAFTrack Certification requirements.
  • Linked Learning. ConnectED supports schools on a systemic approach called Linked Learning where students learn in career pathways and participate in internships.
  • Professions-Based Learning. Southwest of Kansas City, the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (BVCAPS) is a next-gen career center providing part-time career-focused learning experiences in emerging job clusters.
  • Work In and Out of School. Dubiski Career High School in Grand Prairie, Texas, is a large career focused high school with 15 career pathways in three academies.
  • Flexible Scheduling. Kenton County, Kentucky seniors can apply for an internship in their career pathway.

Read the full article about the importance of work experience by Tom Vander Ark at Getting Smart.