About Career Exploration and Planning

This site is your one stop shop for everything Work Based Learning in Moline Coal Valley Schools! Check out the pages to see the different options available to you.

What is Career Exploration and Planning?

Career exploration and planning experiences allow students to explore various career options through different levels of engagement. 

• Students start their Level One exploration through awareness and growing an interest. Level One is accomplished through programs such as Xello, guest speakers, career fairs, tours, informational interviews, Lunch & Learns and Mock Interviews. 
• Students then move on to Level Two where they explore deeper and build their skills and/or knowledge. Students accomplish this exploration through Job Shadows, Project-Based Learning and Dual-Credit Classes. 
• The third level is advanced exploration and training. Students in Level Three participate in Apprenticeships, Internships or Work Experiences.

Why Should Students Participate In Career Exploration and Planning Opportunities?

Participating in Work Based Learning opportunities help students make informed career decisions, select courses of study, connect with potential employers, and develop job skills.  Experiences not only help students find careers that they want to continue to explore, but it also helps them find out early careers that they do not want to pursue.

Students may: 

Gain exposure to the world of work.   Students participating in Work Based Learning opportunities develop career competencies that employers value but aren’t always taught in the classroom.  These include not only technical skills but also professional skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and an understanding of workplace expectations.

Acquire hands-on experience.   Work-Based Learning gives students the chance to immerse themselves in a particular field and interact with professionals in that field.  This exposure can help students make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.   Additionally, in Work-Based Learning experiences, students can apply the lessons learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Expand their professional network and skillset.  Work-Based Learning experiences are designed to connect students to professionals.  Some Work-Based Learning programs, such as apprenticeships, are paid positions that may even lead to full-time positions at the organization. Regardless of the type of experience, all Work-Based Learning experiences yield long-term career benefits because students acquire knowledge and skills that they can add to their résumés.