www.careercruising.com --Mason High School subscribes to a website which offers career and college exploration. A student will be prompted with a username (Mason) and a password (Bulldogs) to enter this site. Once in the site, information on different occupations by subject, key word, or career pathway (see definitions of pathways below) can be explored. Students also can access their four-year education plans and college information through this site.
Other popular sites for career exploration: www.actstudent.org – college and career planning www.collegeboard.com - college and career planning www.micollegeaccess.org/ - Michigan College Access Network www.careerkey.org - The Career Key http://online.onetcenter.org/ - Go to “Find Occupations”. This site allows you to search by keyword or job field. For each occupation, it describes the day to day things you would have to perform, list skills and qualities that people that are successful in each job usually possess. Also has information about salary and job outlook. www.eresumes.com – E Resumes
In addition to searching the above websites, people can be an excellent resource to find out more about careers. Find and talk to people that are employed in the field(s) you’re interested in! Ask to come and see them in action at work. See if you can job shadow them at some point. Talk to students that are enrolled in the courses you’ll need to take to get their perspective. Finally, try to experience some aspect of that job yourself. Maybe you can volunteer, intern, or find part-time work at a place where you’ll be able to see what the career is like day to day.
Finally, if you still have NO IDEA what career fields you are interested in, you might want to consider taking a career assessment. Ingham ISD offers free career assessments to MHS students. The process takes about 1.5-2 days. See your counselor for more information.
Career Pathways
Students in high school generally spend time thinking about careers. The Career Pathways can guide their course selection throughout their high school years and prepare them for post secondary training.
ARTS AND COMMUNICATION Careers related to the humanities, the performing, visual, literary, and media arts. Examples: musician/composer, graphic designer, commercial artist, TV production, advertising designer, technical illustrator/writer, web site designer.
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY Careers related to all aspects of business including accounting, business administration, finance, information processing and marketing. Examples: bookkeeper, insurance agent, financial manager, budget analyst, marketing and sales development, labor relations, manager, entrepreneur.
ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Careers related to the various technologies necessary to design, develop, install and maintain physical systems. Examples: construction, computer analyst, architect, mechanic/technician, information specialist, manufacturing, and engineers (electrical, packaging, computer, mechanical, etc.)
HEALTH SERVICES Careers related to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries and diseases. Examples: dental assistant, medical office clerk, pharmacy technician, nurse, chemist, pharmacist, pharmacologist.
HUMAN SERVICES Careers in child care, civil service, education, hospitality, and the social services. Examples: flight attendant, child care giver, legal assistant, police officer, lawyer, teacher, counselor, human resource manager, chef, customer service.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRISCIENCECareers related to natural resources, agriculture, and the environment. Examples: landscaper, florist, horticulturist, golf course manager, naturalist, botanist, agronomist, forester.
Information on Career and Technical Programs
Wilson Talent Center: Students at Mason High School are eligible to take coursework at the WTC in many different areas. For more information and course offerings please go to the following link: www.inghamisd.org/wtc/
Eaton ISD Career Programs: Students at Mason High School are also eligible to take coursework (specific programs only) at LCC through the Eaton Career Center. For more information on course offerings, please go to the following link: http://www.eatonresa.org/services/career-and-technical-education/