Marin County School to Career: FAQs

Contact Us

Overview | STC in Action | Calendar | Forms | About Us | Partners

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Listed below are some key questions about the School to Career Program. If you are EMPLOYERS, STUDENTS or EDUCATORS, click on the appropriate TAB at the top to see questions frequently asked by prospective School to Career participants in your group.

EMPLOYERS

Why should I get involved?

Students are seeking opportunities to explore possible career paths and gain some practical work experience that is relevant to their classroom education. Employers have the chance to better prepare their future workforce by offering meaningful learning opportunities. If you benefited from a mentor in your past who provided you some meaning and direction, here is a chance to give something back.

How do I get started?

Please contact the Marin School to Career Partnership office at 499-5865 to hear about various ways to get involved or to let us know how you can help. For a list of ways to get involved, click on MENU OF OPTIONS for employers.

What is required?

The main requirement is an interest in working with or helping students! There are varying levels of involvement ranging from hosting a few students for a morning job shadow or being a classroom guest speaker to serving as an intern host or on an advisory panel or board. There is minimal paperwork and coordination time required as the primary goal is to maximize your time with students. Worksites must be safe and accessible. Active supervision and appropriate training, if necessary, should be provided.

What is involved with hosting a student intern?

Internships are designed to provide students with an in-depth exploration of a career by working closely with employers doing real work and observing various activities within an industry. Students spend between 6-10 hours per week during a 6-8 week period, creating a schedule with their supervisor. School to Career staff will visit the worksite at the beginning of the internship to facilitate the signing of a "contract" between the student and the employer. Employers are also requested to complete a short INTERN EVALUATION form for each student at the end of the internship.

What are the benefits of hosting an intern?

There are several benefits that employers regularly identify. These include the satisfaction of knowing that they made a difference in a student's life, of being reminded why they like their job and all that their career offers, and of raising the morale within the workplace by having a young and new perspective interacting with staff.

How will the School to Career Partnership support me?

The quality of our services is our most important goal. As such, the STC staff works closely with employers and students to ensure that both parties have a productive and rewarding experience in any program activity. Staff will pre-screen students in advance of sending them to an employer and follow students closely by visiting the worksite and checking in with employers. Any problems or concerns with students are addressed by staff while keeping employers informed and involved as they desire.

What do students expect from employers?

Students bring a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace. In return, students expect to have someone available to answer questions that arise as they perform their assigned duties. Students expect to learn enough about a specific job, business or industry to be able to perform useful and productive tasks that positively contribute to the business or organization during the course of the internship.

STUDENTS

Where can I get detailed information about School to Career activities?

Every Marin County public high school has a SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON located in the Career Center who can provide you more information about internships, job shadows and other career exploration activities.

What is the School to Career Internship Program?

A School to Career internship is an opportunity to learn about specific jobs and careers by "working" in a company, small business or non-profit organization for a semester or during the summer. Click on PARTNERS to see the businesses and organizations participating in the program. Students should see their STC Liaison to find out more about internship opportunities and requirements.

How do I apply to the School to Career Internship Program?

Pick up an application from your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON or you can download and print it by clicking on INTERNSHIP APPLICATION. Complete all sections including the forms requiring parent/guardian signatures and a teacher recommendation, and submit it along with your resume, to the SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON at your school.

What will I do in an internship?

The primary goal of the internship is for you to learn about the organization and industry in which you are working. At the same time, you will contribute your skills and talents to your employer. Interns may perform clerical tasks, shadow various employees, assist customers or learn new skills for specific projects. The specific duties for each internship are listed in an Internship Binder at your school's Career Center. Based on the employer's needs and your particular interests, an internship can be crafted to serve you best.

When will I do the internship?

Internships are offered during the school year both during both the fall and spring semesters. Generally these Internships are 8-10 weeks in duration and students are expected to work 6 hours per week either after school or on the weekends, depending on the employer's work schedule. There is also a Summer Internship Program that runs 6-7 weeks beginning the week after school ends. Interns are expected to work at least 9 hours per week over 2-3 days each week. Students also take an Internship Orientation Class that covers various topics aimed to help students achieve success in the workplace. Students must be available during the full duration of the internship period.

Will I be getting credit for doing the Internship Program?

All students who successfully complete the Summer Internship Program will earn high school credit. It may be possible to earn academic credit for the School Year Internship Program depending on the requirements of your school. See your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON for more information.

Are these paid or non-paid unpaid internships?

Most internships are non-paid. The purpose of the internship is for you to learn about specific jobs within a career industry. However, your internship may provide you with an experience that influences your life in ways that cannot be measured in income. The experience will be a great addition to your resume and college application. College financial aid or scholarships may be available to students who have had an internship experience. In addition, it may help define your college major or career goal.

Do I need a car?

You will need to arrange for your own transportation to your internship site. Many internship placements are accessible by public transportation.

What records do I keep?

Your internship TIMESHEET AND WEEKLY LOG provides a space to record your major activities each time you are at your internship placement. In addition, you should keep concrete examples of the work you have completed.

Can I do more than one internship?

Yes! Students are generally only permitted to commit to one internship at a time. However, students who have several different career interests are encouraged to explore each, through internships, job shadows or informational interviews. It is also possible to do several internships in the same industry area to get a broad view of the various career options within that field. The only Internship Program that is limited to one term is the Hospital Internship Program.

EDUCATORS

What kind of services can School to Career provide to me?

School to Career can help teachers in many ways, including finding industry advisors for class projects, recruiting classroom guest speakers, connecting teachers with job shadows and professional development opportunities and helping to plan classroom, club or academy field trips. Because teachers' needs vary according to subject area, school site, and teaching style, we invite teachers to discuss ideas for special projects or other requests with their SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON.

What opportunities are there for me to get involved in School to Career?

STC puts on events throughout the year for both students and teachers. Please see our CALENDAR for the most up-to-date listing of this year's events. We encourage teachers to attend events of interest with their students as well. In addition, STC is involved with industry advisory committees that are designed to offer industry contacts and feedback to teachers around certain subject areas. One example is the Marin Hi Technology Education Advisory Committee. Please see your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON for more information about STC opportunities for educators.

How do I get involved?

Keep your eye out for available opportunities announced through the school bulletin, in your mailbox, or on this website. See your STC Liaison with any questions or to learn more about upcoming opportunities.

How do I request a guest speaker for my classroom?

Please fill out the GUEST SPEAKER REQUEST FORM and give it to your STC Liaison.

Marin County School to Career Partnership
1111 N. Las Gallinas Avenue^.San Rafael, CA^.94903
(415) 499-5865 ^.Fax (415) 491-6619

© 2005 Marin County Office of Education. All rights reserved.
http://stc.marinschools.org

		Contact Us

		Overview \| STC in Action \| Calendar \| Forms \| About Us \| Partners
		FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS Listed below are some key questions about the School to Career Program. If you are EMPLOYERS, STUDENTS or EDUCATORS, click on the appropriate TAB at the top to see questions frequently asked by prospective School to Career participants in your group. EMPLOYERS Why should I get involved? Students are seeking opportunities to explore possible career paths and gain some practical work experience that is relevant to their classroom education. Employers have the chance to better prepare their future workforce by offering meaningful learning opportunities. If you benefited from a mentor in your past who provided you some meaning and direction, here is a chance to give something back. How do I get started? Please contact the Marin School to Career Partnership office at 499-5865 to hear about various ways to get involved or to let us know how you can help. For a list of ways to get involved, click on MENU OF OPTIONS for employers. What is required? The main requirement is an interest in working with or helping students! There are varying levels of involvement ranging from hosting a few students for a morning job shadow or being a classroom guest speaker to serving as an intern host or on an advisory panel or board. There is minimal paperwork and coordination time required as the primary goal is to maximize your time with students. Worksites must be safe and accessible. Active supervision and appropriate training, if necessary, should be provided. What is involved with hosting a student intern? Internships are designed to provide students with an in-depth exploration of a career by working closely with employers doing real work and observing various activities within an industry. Students spend between 6-10 hours per week during a 6-8 week period, creating a schedule with their supervisor. School to Career staff will visit the worksite at the beginning of the internship to facilitate the signing of a "contract" between the student and the employer. Employers are also requested to complete a short INTERN EVALUATION form for each student at the end of the internship. What are the benefits of hosting an intern? There are several benefits that employers regularly identify. These include the satisfaction of knowing that they made a difference in a student's life, of being reminded why they like their job and all that their career offers, and of raising the morale within the workplace by having a young and new perspective interacting with staff. How will the School to Career Partnership support me? The quality of our services is our most important goal. As such, the STC staff works closely with employers and students to ensure that both parties have a productive and rewarding experience in any program activity. Staff will pre-screen students in advance of sending them to an employer and follow students closely by visiting the worksite and checking in with employers. Any problems or concerns with students are addressed by staff while keeping employers informed and involved as they desire. What do students expect from employers? Students bring a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace. In return, students expect to have someone available to answer questions that arise as they perform their assigned duties. Students expect to learn enough about a specific job, business or industry to be able to perform useful and productive tasks that positively contribute to the business or organization during the course of the internship. STUDENTS *Where can I get detailed* information about School to Career activities? Every Marin County public high school has a SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON located in the Career Center who can provide you more information about internships, job shadows and other career exploration activities. What is the School to Career Internship Program? A School to Career internship is an opportunity to learn about specific jobs and careers by "working" in a company, small business or non-profit organization for a semester or during the summer. Click on PARTNERS to see the businesses and organizations participating in the program. Students should see their STC Liaison to find out more about internship opportunities and requirements. How do I apply to the School to Career Internship Program? Pick up an application from your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON or you can download and print it by clicking on INTERNSHIP APPLICATION. Complete all sections including the forms requiring parent/guardian signatures and a teacher recommendation, and submit it along with your resume, to the SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON at your school. What will I do in an internship? The primary goal of the internship is for you to learn about the organization and industry in which you are working. At the same time, you will contribute your skills and talents to your employer. Interns may perform clerical tasks, shadow various employees, assist customers or learn new skills for specific projects. The specific duties for each internship are listed in an Internship Binder at your school's Career Center. Based on the employer's needs and your particular interests, an internship can be crafted to serve you best. When will I do the internship? Internships are offered during the school year both during both the fall and spring semesters. Generally these Internships are 8-10 weeks in duration and students are expected to work 6 hours per week either after school or on the weekends, depending on the employer's work schedule. There is also a Summer Internship Program that runs 6-7 weeks beginning the week after school ends. Interns are expected to work at least 9 hours per week over 2-3 days each week. Students also take an Internship Orientation Class that covers various topics aimed to help students achieve success in the workplace. Students must be available during the full duration of the internship period. Will I be getting credit for doing the Internship Program? All students who successfully complete the Summer Internship Program will earn high school credit. It may be possible to earn academic credit for the School Year Internship Program depending on the requirements of your school. See your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON for more information. Are these paid or non-paid unpaid internships? Most internships are non-paid. The purpose of the internship is for you to learn about specific jobs within a career industry. However, your internship may provide you with an experience that influences your life in ways that cannot be measured in income. The experience will be a great addition to your resume and college application. College financial aid or scholarships may be available to students who have had an internship experience. In addition, it may help define your college major or career goal. Do I need a car? You will need to arrange for your own transportation to your internship site. Many internship placements are accessible by public transportation. What records do I keep? Your internship TIMESHEET AND WEEKLY LOG provides a space to record your major activities each time you are at your internship placement. In addition, you should keep concrete examples of the work you have completed. Can I do more than one internship? Yes! Students are generally only permitted to commit to one internship at a time. However, students who have several different career interests are encouraged to explore each, through internships, job shadows or informational interviews. It is also possible to do several internships in the same industry area to get a broad view of the various career options within that field. The only Internship Program that is limited to one term is the Hospital Internship Program. EDUCATORS What kind of services can School to Career provide to me? School to Career can help teachers in many ways, including finding industry advisors for class projects, recruiting classroom guest speakers, connecting teachers with job shadows and professional development opportunities and helping to plan classroom, club or academy field trips. Because teachers' needs vary according to subject area, school site, and teaching style, we invite teachers to discuss ideas for special projects or other requests with their SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON. What opportunities are there for me to get involved in School to Career? STC puts on events throughout the year for both students and teachers. Please see our CALENDAR for the most up-to-date listing of this year's events. We encourage teachers to attend events of interest with their students as well. In addition, STC is involved with industry advisory committees that are designed to offer industry contacts and feedback to teachers around certain subject areas. One example is the Marin Hi Technology Education Advisory Committee. Please see your SCHOOL TO CAREER LIAISON for more information about STC opportunities for educators. How do I get involved? Keep your eye out for available opportunities announced through the school bulletin, in your mailbox, or on this website. See your STC Liaison with any questions or to learn more about upcoming opportunities. How do I request a guest speaker for my classroom? Please fill out the GUEST SPEAKER REQUEST FORM and give it to your STC Liaison. Marin County School to Career Partnership** 1111 N. Las Gallinas Avenue^.San Rafael, CA^.94903 (415) 499-5865 ^.Fax (415) 491-6619

		© 2005 Marin County Office of Education. All rights reserved. *http://stc.marinschools.org*