There are many resources for Career Information at Davis Drive Middle School. Each year we give the students a career assessment using on-line tools supported by Wake County. We utilize the Futures 4 Kids website and Bridges which is part of the College Foundation of North Carolina. With these tools, we provide a means for students to discover interest areas and associated careers. They can explore a career, find out about its educational requirements and match colleges with potential careers.
In addition, students have access to SOICC, North Carolina's Career Resource Network. This site provides a means to assess career interest, find out about employment trends in the state, create résumés etc.
The US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook gives tips about jobs, needed training, working conditions, job prospects etc. This site will help you understand what someone with that job does and what happens during their work day.
The North Carolina Career Outlook Handbook, created by Chris Droessler of Wake County's CTE department, is an on-line publication examining many careers, their growth potential, income possibilities and educational requirements. This publication is specifically for North Carolina's job market. Because of its on-line nature, it is hyperlinked to many other resources, providing a gateway to career information. It also has an interest assessment you can use to evaluate your interests
Want a site to help you find out what career is right for you? Try the SAVVYouth site for something different. Geared for youth to find out about jobs, college majors, finding a job etc.
Need tips on how to find a job? Try the JobLink Career Center. You can find valuable videos about how to dress for a job, act in an interview and create a résumé.
Summer job opportunities exist for students of middle and high school ages. Teens looking for a job can try Teens4Hire.org for more information. Students interested in a specific career should look for experience by donating their time or finding a job related to that career. Don't know where to look? Try DoSomething.org for ideas on volunteering.
There are also summer camps for special interest areas which are announced as the summer approaches. One that is currently available focuses on engineering and gaming. Contact Wake Technical College at 866-5351 for details. Another program stressing reading and study skills is offered by NC State University. For more information about this program call 800 978 9596. There is a fee but scholarships are available.
Interested in doing something on your Saturdays? The Saturday Academy has two programs starting in March. Want to work in dentistry, or worried about how to pay for college? The Saturday Academy may have an answer for you.
When it comes time to plan for high school, students should keep in mind the different programs offered by North Carolina for free college classes. They can earn an Associates Degree for free. Talk to your high school guidance counselor to find out more.
CTE Goal: 95% in 2008