Empower Within by Career Connection

Empower Within by Career ConnectionMary-Claire HooperNC FCCLA VP of Middle Schools

ObjectiveNC FCCLA members will be able to discover their strengths, target career goals, and initiate a plan for achieving the lifestyle they desire.

OverviewCareer Connection is a national program that helps students to explore career pathways and their personal skills and use them to benefit their families, communities, and careers. Creating and completing projects that relate to at least one of the six units of career connection empowers students to create the lifestyle that they want in the future.

AgendaIcebreakers But first, let me take a selfie (allow 5 mins)Introduction Scavenger Hunt (allow 10 mins)PresentationGoals (allow 1 min)Purposes (allow 1 min)Workshop (allow 15 minutes)Handouts a. FCCLA Planning Processb. Interview Dos and Dontsc. The Six Units of Career Connectiond. Sample Application (optional)

Activitiesa. You have skills! (allow 20-25 mins)b. The Interview (allow 20-25 mins)Quotes and Conclusion(allow 2 mins)

Icebreaker 1: But first, let me take a selfie Have students introduce themselves to 3 new people by:Shaking handsExchanging one weird fact about themselvesTaking a selfie

Encourage students to post their selfies on social media with the hashtag #ncfccla!

Icebreaker 2: Introduction Scavenger Hunt (15 minutes)Refer to handout #1

Allow 15 minutes for students to roam around the room signing a box that applies to them.

(10-15 mins)

GoalsTo empower students to link their options and skills for success in their families, careers, and communities

To empower students through individual, cooperative, and competitive activities to discover their strengths, target career goals, and initiate a plan for achieving the lifestyle they desire

PurposeTo empower students to plan, carry out, and evaluate projects that will strengthen their awareness of skills needed for careers

Career Connection: The BasicsStudents will pick at least 1 of the six units of Career Connection and create, plan, carry out, and evaluate a project that relates to that unit.

Units 1 and 2: Plug In and Sign OnPLUG IN to Careers - Understand work and the Career Connection Programex.) Research a Career you are interested inSIGN ON to the Career Connection - Link personal interests, skills, and goals to career clustersex.) Take a personality quiz online that could help you find your strengths and weaknesses

Activity 1: You have skills!(This activity relates to Unit 2)Hand everyone a piece of blank white paperHave them write their name in the middleInstruct students to write down what skills they have around their name and circle them (ex. working in groups, leadership, confidence) (5 mins)Instruct students to write down skills they need to improve and draw a square around them (5 mins)

At this time, allow students to pair up with someone they do not previously know. Instruct them to brainstorm ideas of careers for one another based on their strengths and weaknesses. They should also talk about ways to improve their skills. (10 mins)

Units 3 and 4: Program and Link UpPROGRAM Career Steps - Prepare with education, leadership, and work experienceex.) Do job shadowing or have an apprenticeship

LINK UP to Jobs - Learn to find and land a jobex.) Learn how to create a resume or how to act in an interview

(1 min)

Activity 2: The InterviewThe Job interview is a big part of finding a job!

Pass out handout #2Have the students separated into groups of 2-5Instruct the students to write a short skit exemplifying the INCORRECT way to conduct themselves in an interview.Pick one or two group to perform their skits in front of the class

This activity should be fun for everyone involved! You are sure to get some laughs from the students. (20 mins)

Units 5 and 6: Access Skills and IntegrateACCESS SKILLS for Career Success- Practice being productive on the job and promotablePinpoint skills you should work on in your daily life that will help you to be a better employeeINTEGRATE Work and Life - Manage interconnected roles in families, careers, and communities.Work on time-management, creating time for each aspect of your life

National Awards and RecognitionNational FCCLA recognizes three Career Connection Projects each year as an award for a Chapters hard work and innovative thinking.

High School Winner- $1000Middle School Winner- $1000Runner Up Award- $500

How to do Career ConnectionStep 1: Pick a Unit and a projectPlan with the FCCLA planning process (Handout #3)

Step 2: Carry out your projectRemember to ALWAYS take LOTS of pictures!

Step 3: Submit your Project to National FCCLA and apply for an award

How to Apply for a National AwardLog on to: https://affiliation.registermychapter.com/fccla#Once logged in, select the "Program Awards" tabSelect the Career Connection Award sectionSelect "Apply Now" for either Middle or High SchoolPlease be sure to select the correct applicationFill out all required fields Upload atleast 3 photos and all supporting flyers, such as flyers, newspaper articles, TV interview videos, etc. using DropBox(A sample Application is provided as Handout #4 to be used if desired)

You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.-Dr. Suess

Goodbye!Thank you for your attention. I hope you all have a great district meeting, and a great day!

For questions, feel free to contact Mary-Claire Hooper at hooper.maryc@gmail.com

ResourcesFCCLA Planning Process- http://chs.ironk12.org/clubs/fccla/Digital/planning1.pdfCC Sample Application- http://www.fcclainc.org/pdf/career_application_preview.pdfCC Information- http://www.fcclainc.org/programs/career-connection.phpLesson Plan Activities- http://www.fcclainc.org/programs/career-connection.php