Career Counseling Corner

Wayne RESA's Career Counselors & Postsecondary Navigator bring you up-to-date information to help assist your child on their career journey. With the support of our local schools, we aim to provide resources leading to career and postsecondary success for all Wayne County students.

Career Technical Education (CTE) helps students explore career paths while gaining practical skills for the workforce.

Career Awareness, Exploration & Readiness:

1. Industry Exposure: CTE introduces students to fields like healthcare, technology, and trades, helping them discover interests and strengths.
2. Real-World Experience: Internships and projects provide insights into daily job responsibilities.
3. Career Pathways: Structured programs guide students from basic to advanced skills in their chosen field.

Benefits of CTE:

1. Job-Ready Skills: Students gain certifications and hands-on experience valued by employers.
2. High Earning Potential: CTE careers often provide competitive salaries without requiring a four-year degree.
3. Engagement and Success: Students are more motivated, improving grades and graduation rates.
4. Pathways to Higher Education: CTE can lead to further studies, aligning with degree programs.
5. Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are emphasized.

CTE empowers students with career clarity and skills, setting them up for success in education and employment. See Videos highlighting the benefits from CTE programs below.

This publication highlights Michigan’s high-demand, high-wage careers that show a favorable mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual job openings, and median wages through 2032.

There are many occupations that don’t require a four year degree. Sit down with your student and review all of the careers to see how many careers they express an interest in this exciting career field.

December’s career focus is Health Sciences. Check out the following careers from the HOT 50. Your student might be interested in:

• Dental Hygienists

• Healthcare Social Workers

• Massage Therapists

• Nurse Practitioners

• Occupational Therapists

• Physical Therapists

• Physician Assistants

• Registered Nurses

RESOURCES:

Wayne RESA Workforce Development

offers students across Wayne County information and resources in health related and other career pathways. Click on the link to explore local resources and opportunities in Wayne County.

ExploreHealthCareers.org

is a collaboration between today’s health professionals and leading health care associations designed to help people like you start down the road toward a career in health. Here you’ll find the latest health career information and tools to guide you as you prepare for a future in health care.

Michigan Pathfinder

(Supported by MiReach)

More than ever, Michigan healthcare employers are looking to find skilled talent to help them meet the growing needs of the communities they serve. Here are pathways to in-demand healthcare careers in Michigan.

Use this resource to find local information & programs for Nursing and other Healthcare careers. Learn about short-term certification programs, local community college & university programs, which careers are in demand, and how to get started while in high school.

Every newsletter we'll shine the light on a different career field with our Workforce Spotlight!

Hydrogeologists, Geoscientists, and Hydrologists research & study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. They help conserve & utilize natural resources, such as: oil, gas, minerals, and underground water

Learn more by watching below:

As the end is in sight for so many seniors, now is the perfect time to start setting good habits and practices to carry with you to college, trade school or apprenticeship. One of the most important skills that you can develop is self-advocacy. Simply put, it means speaking up when you don’t know what to do or how to do it.

It sounds simple enough right? Yet, while this skill is encouraged heavily in high school, so many students find ways to avoid it due to fear, scrutiny or embarrassment. They would rather sit with an empty brain than speak an uncomfortable truth. Speaking from someone who used to be crippled by fear of asking questions, I shudder to think of how much it set me back from being the best version of myself.

Being a student in postsecondary education, no matter the school, means you are just that: a STUDENT. If you had all the answers you wouldn’t be there needing to learn new skills. One of the greatest shifts you can make now in your senior year, if you aren’t doing so already, is EMBRACE being a learner.

If you look at the most influential people in our world, they are often the people who question a lot. Individuals who don’t have all the answers, seek truth to inform their decision making. The workforce of tomorrow will be almost entirely knowledge driven. No matter what the industry a person chooses, they will constantly need to upskill and learn new things throughout their career. As you leave high school, the best thing to do is embrace the curiosity. Don’t fear not knowing. Instead, be more afraid of a life where you’re too afraid to learn.

Proactively making time for health & wellness assists our students in achieving their career & postsecondary goals. In every newsletter, we'll offer tips & resources to help keep you & your student's wellness a priority.

The winter can be challenging due to colder weather, less sunlight, and reduced motivation. Here are some quick strategies to thrive during Michigan's winter:

1. Reflect on the 1st Semester
   Identify successes and areas to improve, then adjust daily habits based on these reflections.

2. Create a Balanced Routine

   • Set consistent sleep and meal times.
   • Limit screen time, especially at the start and end of the day.
   • Choose extracurricular activities & hobbies that boost your energy, not drain it.

3. Stay Physically Active
   Exercise regularly to boost energy and mood, even indoors or with winter sports.

4. Get Natural Light
   Spend time outdoors or sit by windows to combat seasonal blues.

5. Plan and Avoid Procrastination
   Use a planner and finish tasks early to reduce stress.

6. Study in Groups
   Combine social interaction with productivity for better focus and motivation. Even a short FaceTime session with classmates can encourage you to keep going.

7. Incorporate Creativity
   Take mental breaks with activities like drawing or journaling.

8. Celebrate Small Wins
   Acknowledge achievements to maintain positivity.

These strategies can help you stay focused, motivated, and resilient during the winter semester.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. Wayne County has several resources for you to get the help you need. Always remember to call 911 in case of an emergency or visit a local hospital emergency room.

No matter what step your student is at in their career journey, these guides have important links & resources to help them move towards success.

Now is the time for high school seniors to apply for the MAT2 Apprenticeship Program.

MAT2 Apprenticeship Program Benefits:

• Earn while you learn & receive a debt-free AAS degree
• 3 years of coordinated work and college at Henry Ford College or Macomb Community College
• Application of skills learned in college to real-world situations
• 2-year job guarantee upon successful completion

Use this resource to explore hundreds of art career profiles and learn more about what it takes to build long-term careers within today’s top creative industries.

Complete the FAFSA to access grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans. It’s the first step to making college or career training more affordable. Don’t miss out on financial aid opportunities—apply today!

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help recent high school graduates in Michigan receive funds for continuing education. Eligible students could receive financial aid to attend a college or university with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.

High school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are encouraged to attend an informational webinar provided by MI Student Aid.

What makes the difference between achieving your goals and falling short? In this impactful session, Postsecondary Success Navigator, Brad Minton will cover the key ingredients to goal setting that actually works so you can achieve what your heart desires this year!

Register below for this online opportunity.

Through the partnership of Toyota and Michigan 4-H, youth will experience a variety of career paths in the automotive industry as well as building crucial skills such as self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. The series focuses on apprenticeships, skilled trades, and technology based career paths alongside learning about workplace professionalism and interviewing tips.

A webinar series will be presented January- May of 2025 with incentives for youth who attend all five sessions, either live or by watching the recording.

Future Docs offers children ages 6 to 12 the opportunity to explore the world of medicine, medical science and public health through a day filled with fun and education. The event will feature 18 hands-on medical and science workshops including Brain Blast, Wind Your Way Through DNA, Heart Rocks, Ultrasounds like Fun, What's in the Water, Saw Bones and Eye Explorer, as well as a photobooth, face painting, lunch and more. Workshop descriptions. Kids will also receive a commemorative t-shirt, backpack and other medical-themed goodies.

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 9a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: 540 E. Canfield, Detroit
Questions: 313-577-3587 or alumni@med.wayne.edu

Educators Rising is a national initiative where participants build content knowledge and develop skills teachers need - including instruction, responsive planning, reflective practice and data analysis. They learn with experts and leaders in the education profession. The MEA will facilitate the Michigan conference and competitions. All Michigan middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in education are welcome to attend and participate in the conference at no charge. The competitions will take place concurrently with the conference activities. Students participating in the competitions will be determined prior to the event and have a chance to advance to the June 2025 Educators Rising National Conference in Washington, D.C.

Date: March 12, 2025

Day: Wednesday

Time: 7:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Wayne State University

DAPCEP Saturday courses are foundational STEM courses that prepare pre-K to 12th grade students to pursue advanced STEM educational pathways. Taking place in both the Fall and Spring, terms range from 6 to 8 weeks (our youngest learners in the Explorers program participate for 8 weeks). Courses take place both virtually, and in-person. Topics include: artificial intelligence, robotics, aerodynamics, computer programming, coding, chemical and engineering, artificial intelligence, and many more.

CCS offers youth & teen classes and free online workshops. These are great ways for students to learn more about their majors & a future career in:

• * Entertainment Arts - Animation
• * Entertainment Arts - Game Design
• * Art Education
• * Illustration
• * Interior Design
• * Film
• * Communication Design
• * Photography
• * Product Design

.... and more

The spring season will continue with traditional hands-on workshops in the SmithGroup Detroit office and will dive into greater detail about the architecture and engineering disciplines at SmithGroup. They will feature discussions about tools of the trade, developing technologies, design coordination, construction, and much more!

Visit the website for details on registering for future workshops.

Remember to check out local recreation departments, libraries, and other community resources for additional summer camps and events.

APPLY EARLY, Scholarships are available for some programs!

Join us for another exciting year of Spark! Camps at the Michigan Science Center. Campers will explore Mi-Sci’s 220+ interactive exhibits, engage in immersive theater experiences, and investigate fascinating science phenomena through hands-on activities and experiments.

Ready to learn more? Register Here!

Frequently Asked Questions

SMASH empowers students of color in computer science fields through intensive education, culturally relevant coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a Computer Science ecosystem where every student, regardless of their zip code, can thrive in the global economy. By providing equitable opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders representing broad perspectives and sectors of society.

High school sophomores and juniors: Apply for this FREE 3-week summer program to explore STEM careers on a college campus. Build skills, make connections, and start your tech journey! The program runs from July 5 to July 25, 2025.

Scan the QR code or click on the image.