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Why a Career Coach?

Melinda Hogan and Emily Dahl, KACC Career Coaching Staff

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Melinda Hogan and Emily Dahl, KACC Career Coaching Staff

Each and every student at the Kankakee Area Career Center is given an opportunity to work with our KACC Career Coaches and by the time they are a high school senior, they are required to complete their career portfolio as a part of their final grade.

While most of our students go on to post-secondary education, learning how to develop their own, unique Career Portfolio is incredibly valuable.   Not only does the process take the student on an introspective look at their education, they are also taking note of the variety of skills, certifications and attributes they bring to the table for any career path, not just their area of study. 

Students are guided through this process with the help of the Career Coaches, Emily Dahl and Melinda Hogan.  Students utilize the KACC computer lab where they develop their resumes, cover letters and goal statements.  They learn more about what employers are looking for in a resume and the importance of a well-rounded portfolio product.

Students are encouraged to look for opportunities to be involved in volunteer activities and community service projects.  They are also encouraged to use photographs with captions to document samples of their work here at the Career Center and, of course, back within their local high school.

Oftentimes, students build a sense of pride when they lay out the variety of artifacts and highlights of their achievements, to be included in their portfolio.  Some typical examples of the vast array of these include:

• Examples of Certifications Students Can Earn:  National Career Readiness Certification, ASE Certification, S.E.N.S.E.Certifications, TestOut PC Pro, Early Childhood Education Credential, Emergency Medical Responder, First Aide, CPR Certified, OSHA 10 Certification
• Example of Awards Received, i.e.: Scholarship Awards, Honor Roll, SkillsUSA Competition, Band, Orchestra, Choir awards, etc.
• Dual College Credit/Licensure: Students are encouraged to place a copy of their college transcripts (most KACC programs have Dual College Credit - at no cost!) or opportunity for  State License/Certification, i.e.:C.N.A. Training Program and School of Cosmetology.

This initial step in the professional portfolio process gives students the necessary tools to build their portfolio all through their post-secondary education, training programs, internships and throughout their careers. It is a fantastic process!