Students choose to pursue their educational goals through future ready pathways for many reasons. See below to review our most commonly asked questions.
Students/Parents
Counselors, teachers and career coaches are available at every high school to connect students to employers through real world experiences. The sooner students understand their career passions, the more prepared they can be for future careers. Teachers, counselors, and career coaches are all here to support students as they identify their career interests through awareness, exploration and experience.
What is a career coach and how do they assist students?
Career coaches are located at each high school to help connect students to careers through real-world experiences. We have many opportunities available for students to explore careers. Here are some examples:
- Career Assessments in our career platform, Xello
- One-on-one coaching appointments with a career coach to explore interests
- Job Shadows and internships
- Employer presentations/Lunch and Learn Sessions
- Career Fairs
- Industry awareness and exploration days
- Resume and job seeking assistance
What is a workplace experience internship and what are the benefits?
The workplace experience internship is an opportunity for students to gain work experience in a specific career area. There are minimum requirements to participate in a workplace experience internship. Please see your career coach for more information. An internship can have many benefits, such as:
- Application of classroom learning to the workplace
- Exploration of career options
- A chance to “reality test” – try out one’s interests, values and abilities in a work setting
- Development and enhancement of professional skills
- An increase of one’s self-confidence as a student and worker
- An opportunity to practice job search skills and expand one’s network of professional contacts
- Relevant work experience to add to one’s resume to demonstrate interest and commitment to a field
- An opportunity for leadership and/or character development
What is the difference between a job shadow and workplace experience internship?
A job shadow offers students the opportunity to visit a business for a partial or full day to observe a professional in a career of their choice. Students are eligible to do one or many job shadows. A job shadow is a great way for students to sample various careers.
In an internship, students can earn credit while gaining job skills in a career of their choice. This is a focused experience over one semester or more. While an internship can still help a student decide on or eliminate a career for their future, this type of experience is reserved for students (usually seniors) who are very interested in a particular career and want to gain work experience.**
** Please note: The career team will make attempts to match qualified students with workplace experiences, but they are not guaranteed. Placements are dependent upon employer availability. Not all placements are possible due to various regulations and privacy laws. For example, internships in areas such as accounting or many healthcare areas may not be options. If you are wondering about a particular area for your workplace experience, see your career coach to discuss what is possible.
What assistance do you offer for students looking for a job?
Career coaches are here to help all high school students, whether looking for a part-time job or something more permanent. Career coaches provide assistance when:
- Searching for a job
- Completing job applications
- Writing a resume and cover letter
- Preparing for an interview
- Check out our Jobs Board!
When are job shadows offered?
Juniors and Seniors are able to participate in job shadows at anytime during the fall and spring semesters. Please see your career coach to request a job shadow.
What are the qualifications for a workplace experience internship?
We typically reserve internship opportunities for seniors while encouraging job shadows for juniors. Additionally, students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for a workplace experience internship:
- Must be in good academic standing, strong attendance record and on track to graduate
- Must have taken at least some or all of the classes offered by SD2 in their career pathway
Students can contact their career coach to learn how to request a workplace experience internship.
Can students sign-up for an internship any time?
Students interested in an internship should contact their Career Coach at their high school or the Career Center. The Career Coach can determine eligibility and see if there are any internship opportunities in the field of interest. Internships take time to set-up, so students must visit with their Career Coach by the following dates for the best possible chance of getting an internship.
- November 1st for Fall semester
- May 1st for Spring
How does a student schedule an appointment with a Career Coach?
Use the contact form, or email, call or stop by the Career Coach office at your home school or at the Career Center. Depending on the day, appointments are available before and after school, or the Career Coach can call a student from a class, as needed.
cavanaughv@billingsschools.org-Career Center
mcdonaldb@billingsschools.org-Senior High
reiterj@billingsschools.org– Skyview High School
randalljt@billingsschools.org– West High School
I want to get involved with Billings Public Schools CTE. What are my next steps?
To find out the many ways to get involved, contact our career outreach director. Use this contact form or call or email Bo Bruinsma.
406.281.5075