Career Corner

Sometimes parents and students assume four year college is the best path to success, but some experts say this may not be the case. There are other alternatives to four year college that can help a student save money and have a fulfilling, successful career. Check out this video.

This video is based out of the state of Ohio.

Video Credit goes to American Graduate- https://www.cpb.org/americangraduate

The "Know Before You Go" Labor Market information was developed to create awareness of career opportunities in high-growth, in-demand occupations in South Central and Southwest Minnesota. Please share this information to help students make informed decisions regarding their future.

Please check out more information at http://www.workforcecouncil.org/labor-market-information/

Click on the links to see all the industry specific infographics available.

Health Care Infographics

Manufacturing Infographics
Information Technology Infographics
Agriculture Infographics
Transportation Infographics
Construction Infographics
Business Infographics

Students should keep in mind the importance of choosing a major that is a good fit for them, potential earnings and occupational demand. A four-year degree or advance degree does not guarantee higher pay.

Career Exploration:

Explore careers through websites and career videos.

• Career One Stop has a huge library career videos in all 16 career cluster fields, check them out at www.careeronestop.org/Videos

• CAREERwise provides free online tools for Minnesotans in the areas of career planning and education through Minnesota State. Occupational and educational information, assessments and videos are available on CAREERwise. (careerwise.minnstate.edu)

Community Resources

Need to find a resource in your community? Check out the youth directory for the county you live it to find it! http://www.workforcecouncil.org/youth-council/projects/youth-directories/

Directories are available for:

Blue Earth/Nicollet Counties

Brown, Sibley and Watonwan Counties

Faribault & Martin Counties

Waseca and Le Sueur Counties

Employment

• Check out job openings online at minnesotaworks.net and indeed.com. These are two job search engines to try but there are many more out there! Just make sure they are creditable websites!

• CareerForce can help with finding employment. Staff are knowledgeable on current openings, how to complete a application and resume and interviewing. Free virtual job search workshops are available. CareerForce is located in Fairmont, Mankato and New Ulm. Due to COVID 19, CareerForce services are currently offered through the phone, email or virtually. You can also check out online resources at www.careerforcemn.com

Networking! One of the best ways to find employment is through networking with others. Some studies suggest that up to 85% of people find their job through networking.

Some potential networking contacts include:

• Neighbors
• Relatives
• Your friend's parents
• Friends
• Community or recreation groups you belong to
• Classmates
• School staff
• Friends of friends (ask for referrals or introductions)
• Volunteer organizations you've worked with

Minnesota Valley Action Council's Youth Employment programs provide services to young adults that need assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

How does MVAC'S Youth Employment Program assist youth?

- Paid work experience/internship to learn skills needed to succeed in the current job market

- Career path planning

- Assistance getting enrolled in/completing an educational goal

- Referrals to other area services for them and their family

- Connections to apprenticeships

- College scholarship opportunities

- Possible funding for transportation, educational, or employment needs

Who may be eligible for MVAC's Youth Program?

Youth ages of 16-24 with any of these life situations

o Receives public assistance

o Someone who has been or are in an out-of-home placement

o People of color

o Diagnosed & documented disability

o Pregnant or Parenting

o Struggle with math or reading

o Want to work towards GED, certification (such as CNA), or 2-year degree

o Meets income guidelines

Counties served: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan

Find out more information at www.mnvac.org/programs/employment-training/young-adult-services/

Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) provides Skills for Success presentations on career and employment information to high school students. Some of the presentation topics include career awareness, communication skills, workplace skills, job search, applications, resumes, interviewing, financial literacy, career escape room and career options after high school. During the 2019-2020 school year, 15 schools participated in the free Skills for Success presentations and MVAC looks forwards to meeting your student/students next school year.

Partners In Career Exploration places first year graduate students from the student counseling program at local high schools one day a week to provided career exploration and counseling to students. PICE interns helped students in a variety of ways including assisting with career assessments, exploring career information, college and scholarship applications, financial aid questions, planning career exploration events and ACT testing.

We would like to thank the school districts that participated in PICE this school year:

Janesville - Waldorf - Pemberton Schools

Sleepy Eye Public Schools

St. Peter Public Schools

Tri-City United Schools

United South Central Schools

Develop and Maintain a Quality Workforce for South Central Minnesota

Email: sara@workforcecouncil.org
Website: www.workforcecouncil.org
Location: 706 North Victory Drive, Mankato, MN, USA
Phone: 507-345-2402
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scworkforcecouncil/