Career Path Mentor Program-In person
When youth transition from our K5 program to our teen program, we begin intentional programing focused on career exploration. Oftentimes youth have a limited scope on career options and we want to broaden their horizon on the possibilities of career options. We are looking for local Seattle professionals who would be willing to offer 1-2 hours of their time to explain what makes them excited about their career. Let’s work together and help youth find their spark and encourage them to build on their strengths and passions.
Expectations of what you will be doing • Lead a walkthrough of your office space • Explain what a typical day at your job is like • Allow the youth to “shadow” you as your perform your job • Answer any questions they may have about your job • Expand a youth’s knowledge about your profession and offer guidance on how they can pursue that career • Introducing youth to your colleagues
Guiding topics to discuss with youth: • Why you chose your profession and the path you took to get there • What it takes to be successful at your job • The causes/effects of daily decisions • The impact of your profession on society and the community • Advice on what youth should do now to prepare
LOGISTICS: Level 1:
• Career Fair (2 hour commitment)* Have the opportunity to meet with a group of our teens and help them begin to establish professional relationships. Give them the opportunity to learn to network and build new relationships. For youth who are interested in your career path, discuss internship opportunities and the path it would take to join your company. If you are interested in one on one career mentoring this is time to discuss those options.
• Individual career talks (1 hour commitment)*
Can’t make the job fair? Schedule a time at the Friends program space with a youth to talk about your career option and the path you took to get there. Talk about building professional relationships and networking. If you are interested in one on one career mentoring this is time to discuss those options.
Level 2: (1hr per visit)
• Option A: Career path mentor (short-term)* Work with a teen one-on-one to help them develop an understanding of your career. Set up four meetings over the course of a year to meet at your office or at a coffee shop to talk about your career path. Show them around your office and talk about what you do at work. If you have a project you can talk them through or get feedback from them, go for it! We want this to be an enriching experience for both of you!
• Option B: Career path mentor (long-term)* Have you been working with a teen and their mentor and things are going so well you want to keep going? Here is your opportunity. This long-term option allows you to offer a teen a summer internship or continue working with them as you have for a minimum of four additional meetings throughout the year.
It is not definite for one to stay in any level, but to move between levels whether they feel comfortable or have the availability to do so. Visits can look differently; meeting up for lunch, dinner and/or coffee with the mentor, helping with various projects with the youth.
*All career mentoring is done with the youth and their Friends of the Children professional mentor
Session length may vary, dependent on youth age and your availability. • Older Youth Sessions (6th grade – 12th grade): 1-2 hours minimum
A few examples of professions we would like to introduce to our youth:
Architect Programmer Musician Lawyer Entrepreneur
Sports Coach Mechanic Designer Engineer Police Beautician Sports Trainer Caregiver Culinary Education Scientist Nurse Real Estate Urban Planning Web Design UX Audio Marketing Advertising Writing
Career path mentor program participation form
Full Name: Last First M.I.
Work Address: Street Address Apartment/Unit #
City State ZIP Code
Alternate Work Phone: Phone:
Email:
Place of Employment:
Position Description:
Title:
Available start date:
Which age groups are you comfortable working with? (please circle) 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade
Signature:
Return form by email to Edgar Masmela, Partnerships Director at [email protected] or fax 206-328-6985