|
|
|
grace johnsoN
Hamburg Reporter
By the time students at Hamburg Community Schools reach high school, planning for their career is a concept that’s anything but foreign. Students are introduced to career planning early on, with the topic first studied in kindergarten.
Iowa law dictates that career education begins in the 8th grade, but counselor Deana Swenson said starting earlier gives students an edge and lays the foundation for success.
“I’m proud that we start this awareness in kindergarten. By the time they hit junior high, the premise is laid, and, in high school, they can move forward.”
Swenson spends time in the classrooms of all grade levels, with the concepts tailored to each age group. She said introducing the subject of careers gradually can alleviate some of the anxiety that can come with planning for the future.
“Kids are generally very overwhelmed by the topic,” she said.
Swenson said through talking with the students, she has learned that young people are now seeing careers less as a way to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, and more as a way to earn enough money to buy the things they need.
“Kids are very concerned about money and survival,” she said. “They are well aware of the economy.”
By junior high, she said students begin to think about how the classes they take will prepare them for their career path. Each Hamburg student is equipped with a “working document” that outlines how they will attain the career they desire. All students also complete personality and ability assessments to help them discover what path will suit them.
In high school, Swenson assists students as they begin to narrow down their college choices and fill out applications.
Juniors attend a career fair in the fall and sophomores have been able to attend spring career fairs in the past.
Students are able to complete job shadowing experiences and student organizations also aid in career preparation.
The Key Club encourages networking with the workforce in the community, and the yearbook staff gets “real world” experience through selling ads for the publication.
FCCLA, Math Club, and Student Council also provide preparation for life after high school.
grace johnsoN
Hamburg Reporter
By the time students at Hamburg Community Schools reach high school, planning for their career is a concept that’s anything but foreign. Students are introduced to career planning early on, with the topic first studied in kindergarten.
Iowa law dictates that career education begins in the 8th grade, but counselor Deana Swenson said starting earlier gives students an edge and lays the foundation for success.
“I’m proud that we start this awareness in kindergarten. By the time they hit junior high, the premise is laid, and, in high school, they can move forward.”
Swenson spends time in the classrooms of all grade levels, with the concepts tailored to each age group. She said introducing the subject of careers gradually can alleviate some of the anxiety that can come with planning for the future.
“Kids are generally very overwhelmed by the topic,” she said.
Swenson said through talking with the students, she has learned that young people are now seeing careers less as a way to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, and more as a way to earn enough money to buy the things they need.
“Kids are very concerned about money and survival,” she said. “They are well aware of the economy.”
By junior high, she said students begin to think about how the classes they take will prepare them for their career path. Each Hamburg student is equipped with a “working document” that outlines how they will attain the career they desire. All students also complete personality and ability assessments to help them discover what path will suit them.
In high school, Swenson assists students as they begin to narrow down their college choices and fill out applications.
Juniors attend a career fair in the fall and sophomores have been able to attend spring career fairs in the past.
Students are able to complete job shadowing experiences and student organizations also aid in career preparation.
The Key Club encourages networking with the workforce in the community, and the yearbook staff gets “real world” experience through selling ads for the publication.
FCCLA, Math Club, and Student Council also provide preparation for life after high school.
