FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAREER COACHES PREPARE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR FUTURE

Career Coaches, shown, left to right, are: David Foster, Chatham and Tunstall High Schools; Angie McAdams, George Washington High School; Sabryna Hamilton, Dan River and Gretna High Schools; and Ami Hudson, Halifax County High School.

DANVILLE, VA, May 4, 2007 – Career planning is an important step for high school students, yet many are

 still undecided about their career goals. To assist students in establishing these goals and to build a successful future, Danville Community College has placed career coaches in service area public high schools.

The career coaches are: Angie McAdams, George Washington High School (GWHS); Ami Hudson, Halifax County High School; David Foster, Chatham and Tunstall High Schools; and Sabryna Hamilton, Dan River and Gretna High Schools.

“We work in six high schools and discuss long-term career plans with students,” says McAdams, who became DCC’s first Career Coach in 2004. “When students establish career goals, we then help them research colleges that offer programs in their career field.”

Whether a student needs help with transitioning to college, preparing for the workforce, or choosing their career path, DCC Career Coaches can help. Although each career coach has a different approach, they help students plan for any preparatory classes available in high school.

Foster, who works with approximately 200 freshmen at Chatham High School and 230 sophomores at Tunstall High School, says that there are certain steps he takes when preparing career plans. He gives students an “intake form,” which seeks information about careers students are interested in, what their talents/skills are, what they like to do in their spare time, and what job-related experiences they have had, among other questions.

Students at Chatham and Tunstall High Schools also take a Kuder® Career Planning System assessment to evaluate their interests, skills and values. After reviewing the results, Foster explores possible careers and develops their career plans.

“We explore potential careers that match their interests, and look at courses and the sequence of courses for the next two or three years they are in high school,” says Foster, who is serving his second year as a DCC Career Coach. “We also look at dual enrollment and Tech Prep programs and how these two programs will benefit their education and future.”

Parents are also involved as Foster distributes a packet of information for their review. The packet includes a copy of material discussed during the evaluation with the student and outlines the steps for parents to take each year to help their son/daughter become better prepared for college.

While evaluations are important to gauge career interests, McAdams, in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, invites local professionals to speak to GWHS students who are interested in a particular field. Past speakers included a lawyer, police officer, computer technician, optometrist, general business manager, real estate agent and business owner.

“We have had students interested in the medical, legal, automotive and information technology fields, among others,” says McAdams. “We conduct a survey, and if a majority of students indicate, for example, the medical field as a career path, we invite professionals from that field to meet with students. We try to do this on a monthly basis.”

McAdams’ and Foster’s excitement in helping students pursue a career is also shared by Hudson at Halifax County High School, who has been a DCC Career Coach since 2005. She notes that connecting with students on an individual basis is more effective than promoting specific programs.

“I love to work with people on finding their interests—finding what suits their personality, preferences and dreams,” says Hudson. “It’s usually just a matter of someone showing interest in what fits them. From there, you expand options and support their search for information and resources.”

Her devotion to helping others achieve their career dreams even extends beyond high school students. Occasionally, she encourages adults to pursue their dream when otherwise they may think it’s too late for a career change.

“Sometimes when I meet a person and tell them about career coaching, they’ll say, ‘I wish I’d met you about 15 years ago … but now it’s too late,’” Hudson explains. “I usually challenge them about the last part. There are lots of ways to bring more of what you want into your life.”

            The Community College Career Coach project is made possible by the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Education. The coaches foster communication between high school students, teachers and faculty and community colleges and serve as academic and career advisors for students who may be interested in community college programs.

            Hamilton believes that working with young people is a rewarding experience. She also says this is necessary in guiding high school students toward their desired careers. However, with an overwhelming number of students to serve, there are challenges in meeting the needs.

“I think the main thing is that students would benefit more if a Career Coach had more time to spend at a given school,” says Hamilton, who has divided her time between Dan River and Gretna High Schools for the last two years. “That way, someone would be there, at all times, to provide immediate assistance when an issue arises.

 “It’s important for students to take career planning seriously because it is ultimately beneficial for them, for their families and for society,” adds Hamilton

For more information about the Career Coaches, contact Pete Castiglione, Director of Student Development and Enrollment Management, at 434.797.8442; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 8442; or click here.