Career Life

         “What do you do?”

It’s often the first question asked when

meeting someone for the first time. Our answer defines who we are.  REACH provides a variety of internships, volunteer and work experiences with area employers, and specialized career instruction to ensure that our graduates can answer that question with pride.

Everyone wants to be successful, but not everyone can find the right path.  REACH provides the roadmap – the tools and training – to guide students toward their educational and career goals. 

REACH includes two key factors for success in career development:

• Classroom Study – Core career education classes taught by REACH instructors

• Experiential Learning - Job Shadows and Internships – Opportunities to build and practice the necessary skills and confidence to enhance career potential

Year 1

The first year of Career Development in the REACH Program focuses on career awareness.  Understanding of career options is developed through classroom instruction and opportunities to explore careers through real-world experiences.  The focus for the year is on learning and using general skills needed to successfully enter the workplace.  Basic communication, problem solving skills, job expectations and performance expectations related to specific work environments are emphasized.  Activities to build self-confidence, self-esteem and self-advocacy are offered.  This year includes exploring job interests through tours, informational interviews, job shadows, and possible internships.

Year 2

During the second year, students identify areas of work interest.  Opportunities to work in their chosen fields occurs through internships in either volunteer or paid positions on campus or in the community. Students learn how to organize a job search through developing a resume; practicing interview skills; networking; locating job opportunities; and learning about work place expectations, policies, and benefits.  Students may also choose to complete an elective course such as entrepreneurship.

Optional: Career Focus Area

For a career focus area to be listed on the REACH Certificate of Completion, students must complete the following requirements:

• The student must meet with their Advisor and Career Development staff to declare a focus area no later than September 15 of Year 2.  Career Development staff have the right to refuse a request (e.g. unrealistic careers, unattainable goals, lack of courses or internships).
  
  
• With the assistance of the Advisor and the Career Development staff, the student develops a “Career Focus Plan” to meet the requirements of:
  
  a. Complete a minimum of 60 internship work hours in the career focus area.
  
                                                   AND
  
  

        b. Complete a 1 credit career seminar course in the career focus or related

            area. (With a grade of B or higher)

OR

        c. Complete a 1 credit independent study project approved by the Career        

            Development staff. (With a grade of B or higher)

OR

        d. Complete a 1 – 3 credit UI or Community College course in focus area topic.

           (With a grade of C or higher)

Internships

Students participate in selected job shadowing and internships.  These areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Adult Care
• Animal Care
• Child Care
• Clerical Support
• Health Care
• Hospitality
• Landscaping/Outdoor Work
• Sales/Retail
• Technology
  
  

An Employment Advisory Council (EAC) comprised of volunteer employers and business people from Iowa offers cutting edge guidance to the REACH Program regarding internships, classroom instruction topics, community awareness and marketing.

Post Program

For two years after graduation, REACH students and employers of graduated REACH students have access to supports and resources to assist in developing and maintaining employment.

Some Employers Partnering with REACH: