Career Exploration
“What do I want to do after high school?” Many students find themselves pondering this question as they begin high school, realizing they will be entering the “real world” soon and will need to do some planning.
The following are a few thoughts about choosing a career from author Chad Foster from his wonderful book Teenagers Preparing for the Real World:“I am choosing a career because I have the natural talents to do the job”
“I am choosing a career that I have tried”
“I am choosing a career that will allow me to pay my bills, save some money, and still maintain the quality of life I need”
Exploring career options is a necessary activity to help you plan for your future. At AVHS, students have the opportunity to explore careers in the Bridge Program during their advisory period or during any free time. The Bridge Program is sponsored by The Lewis Center for Educational Research, Victor Valley College and the Snowline School District. "The Bridge Program is based on the belief that all students can and should continue their education beyond high school."
The Bridge Program offers the EUREKA Career Assessment System that helps students discover what career and occupations their personality is geared toward. Students can explore what course will be the most beneficial in attaining the education and training required for their particular career path. Each individual has different qualities and each student can use this system to guide them along their career path.
Twice a year AVHS provides students with the opportunity to take the ASVAB exam, which is a thorough career exploration program. The exam tests students on their academic knowledge and the follow-up interpretation is an online program that blends their academic skills with the students personality characteristics. This is an invaluable tool that fine tunes the numerous career opportunities the students are best suited for. The ASVAB is administered at AVHS once in the fall and once in the spring. Students can sign up to take the exam with Mrs. Williams.
The following are other links that can assist students in career exploration:
California Career Resource Network contains resources for students and parents interested in developing the career self-management skills necessary in today's world of work.
California Career Zone is a web-based career exploration system available to all Californians free of charge.
California Reality Check is a web-based budgeting system available to all Californians free of charge.
California Occupational Guides includes information on careers and occupations in most counties of California, job descriptions, projected employment outlook, wages, education and training, links to possible employers and much more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides up-to-date information about current trends in the labor force and access to the Occupational Outlook Handbook which provides information on hundreds of different occupations including the training and education needed, job earnings, expected job prospects, and more. Exploring Career Information is an excellent resource for students wanting to investigate careers within major subject areas. The Career Guide to Industries is a companion to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides information on careers from an occupational perspective.
Regional Occupational Program The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools ROP Program provides open entry, open exit career technical education and support services. Students who are involved in the ROP program have the opportunity to be part of Tech Prep. This program is designed to help create pathways that lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or a post-secondary certificate in a specific career field. Students will receive college credit for ROP courses taken at AVHS.