Career Development

“What do you do?”

It’s often a question asked when meeting someone for the first time. Our answer defines who we are. REACH provides a variety of internships, volunteer and work-related experiences with area employers. Specialized career instruction helps 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 in inclusive work environments

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. Year 1 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 job search, develop a resume, practice interview skills, network, and learn about work place expectations, policies, and benefits.

Year 1 and Year 2
Students may choose elective courses such as entrepreneurship, business support seminar, marketing and retail seminar, and health services seminar. 

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. 

With the assistance of the Advisor and the Career Development staff, the student develops a “Career Focus Plan” to meet the following requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 60 internship work hours in the career focus area.
  AND
• Complete a 1 credit career seminar course in the career focus or related area. (With a grade of B or higher)
  OR
• Complete a 1 credit independent study project approved by the Career Development staff. (With a grade of B or higher)
  OR
• 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
• Business Support
• Child Care
• Health Care
• Hospitality
• Landscaping/Outdoor Work
• Marketing/Retail

An active Employment Advisory Council (EAC) comprised of volunteer employers and business people from Iowa meet regularly to offer  guidance to the REACH Program regarding internships, curriculm, community awareness and marketing.

Post Program Support
For a minimum of two years after program completion, REACH alumni and employers of REACH alumni have access to supports and resources to assist in developing and maintaining employment.

Some Employers Partnering with REACH:

• The University of Iowa:
  
  
  • Athletics
  • Centers for Disabilities and Development
  • Biology Department Hawk Shop 
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Iowa House Hotel
  • University Dining 
• City of Coralville
• Creature Comfort Veterinary Clinic
• Johnson County Historical Society
• Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (Coralville)
• Pathways Adult Day Care
• Principal Financial
• Retail Stores (e.g., Target, Best Buy, Hawk Shop, & Olive Garden)
• Rockwell Collins (Cedar Rapids)
• Veteran's Administration Medical Center