Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, youth participants will begin to:

  • Evaluate the careers they are interested in by comparing them to their self-knowledge.
  • Recall what education/training/experience is required for those careers.
  • Investigate other careers they can pursue with the education/training/experience and skills they will gain.
  • List the benefits of experiential learning and the importance of it to career navigation.
  • Conduct an informational interview.

section tips

Some youth may feel that they do not need to participate in experiential learning, or may not have the time.  Experiential learning is so important for youths’ career navigation and skill development, so it is best if all can participate.  For those who may be hesitant or who may not have the time, encourage them to participate in something that can be completed in little time (such as an informational interview, tour, or an afternoon of job shadowing).  This experience, even if it is brief, can be incredibly beneficial for youth!

Facilitator Materials

Student Handouts

Additional Resources

Application Procedures/Transition

Ontario Colleges Information for Ontario colleges including programs, applications procedures, etc.  Youth can search for a program to see where it is offered.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre  Information for Canadian Universities and application procedures.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities This Ontario website is a fantastic resource that offers advice and support for students with disabilities (it’s great information for students without disabilities as well) who are transitioning into post-secondary education.  There is advice for parents and counsellors as well.

Career Navigation 

What can I do with a Degree in… (Simon Fraser University) Youth can explore opportunities that various degrees can lead to.

What can I do with a Major in…(MyPlan.com) Youth can explore opportunities that various degrees can lead to.

Academic Invest  This Canadian website includes information about what students and graduates can do with their careers in various subjects and majors.

Finances

CanLearn and Yconic Youth can find information on education and training as well as the associated costs.

Alternate Financing (Scholarships Canada) Provides information on post-secondary financing options.

OSAP Information (Government of Canada) Describes OSAP and includes information such as applications, paying it back, etc.  Another Government OSAP site can be found here.

Training

Start an Apprenticeship (Ontario Ministry of Education, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, 2014).  This document outlines “…information about eligibility requirements, selection processes, benefits to students, and funding arrangements related to the various secondary school programs that, together or separately, comprise a pathway to apprenticeship”.

Experiential Learning Research

Experiential Learning Report: Bringing Life to Learning at Ontario Universities (Council of Ontario Universities, 2014).  This report outlines the benefits of experiential learning for students, employers, and the workforce, and highlights some experiential learning opportunities in various Ontario Universities.  You can also find a fact sheet summarizing some of the information here.

Study suggests experiential learning provides increased student engagement along with higher workload (academica group).  Summarizes a report on the benefits of experiential learning.

Experiential Learning Learning Beyond the Classroom (Ontario Ministry of Education).  This page has information on experiential learning.  It also contains information on the types of experiential learning in an information page found here.

The Secret To Getting A Job After College: Pick A University That Offers Experiential Learning (Forbes, Amy Rees Anderson, August 6, 2015).  This article discusses the importance of experiential learning for students as well as employers.

Experiential Learning Tools

VIP-Community Service Learning is a service offered at the University of Windsor for current students looking to get involved in their community with a non-profit or publicly funded organization in exchange for career-readiness skills.

OYAP.com This website describes the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program as well as information on occupations in the trades and on apprenticeships.

wevolunteer.ca  On this website, youth will find volunteering opportunities in Windsor-Essex.  They can search opportunities by a number of factors (skills they want to develop, location, populations they want to work with, etc.).

Professional Development

Career Exploration: How to Setup an Informational Interview Video (study.com) A video on setting up informational interviews.

4 Ways You Can Make Your Informational Interviews a Little Less Awkward (The Muse, Kat Boogaard).  This article gives advice on how to execute an effective and smooth informational interview.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile looks at how social networking can be used to your advantage in standing out above others. This read breaks down how to build a LinkedIn profile step-by-step.

How to Set Up a Professional Twitter Profile provides insight on how the realm of Twitter can connect you to various professional development opportunities in your area.