Career Resource Center - Outreach Activities

GRCC Career Development Outreach Activities

Inservice/Training Possibilities

Career Development for High School and College Students
Approximately 6 hours
This one day workshop introduces participants to the basics of career development for professionals who work with high school, college, and adult students. The workshop’s primary focus will be on the two main essentials considered to be necessary for effective life direction; the four basic steps of career development; the importance of a career planning philosophy; significant factors that influence direction and life cycle considerations. Also included will be hints on how to select appropriate assessment instruments, tips on how to present projection data and suggestions for infusing concepts and ideas learned into one’s own work setting. Also, a one minute video presentation will highlight the 4-Step Career Development Process. Several handouts will be provided. Brief feedback periods will be interspersed throughout and a final Q & A period will conclude the workshop. Lunch will be provided. Location: GRCC (or, if preferred, can be negotiated)

How To Select A College Major

(Approx. 2 hrs.) A seminar which introduces participants to a 7-step process for effectively preparing for and selecting a college major. A powerpoint presentation and handouts will underscore the workshop’s key points. Suggestions on how the information presented can be used in one’s unique work setting will be provided. A brief Q & A period will conclude the session. Location: Open

College Majors and Careers Workshop

(Approx. 3 hrs.) A three-hour “How to use . . .” training workshop for individuals or groups . Geared to specifically assist counseling or career education professionals who have purchased (or plan to purchase) College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning. The presenter will provide a detailed explanation of each section of the book along with a rationale for. Also incorporated will be examples of real-life applications along with an opportunity to discuss concerns and answer questions about how portions of the book can be applied to one’s unique work setting. A “How To” booklet of tips will be distributed to each participant. Location: Open

How To Develop A Career Resource Center

(Approx. 3 hrs.) This workshop is geared especially for those who are planning to develop or have recently initiated a Career Resource Center in their school, institution or agency. The presenter directed the Grand Rapids Community College Career Resource Center for over 20 years. Areas covered include the rationale for and need to clarify the center’s philosophy; suggested minimum resources needed; budget; staffing; tips for beginning your career library; space, furniture and equipment considerations; recommended support organizations and planning for future growth. Several handouts will be provided and a variety of suggested follow-up activities and resources will be recommended. The workshop will conclude with a general Q & A session. Location: GRCC Campus

Career Planning Questions and Answers

(Approx. 1 - 1 1//2 hrs.) An informal sharing and interchange between the facilitator and participants in an attempt to provide answers to career-related questions presented by the participants. Also, if time permits, questions frequently asked by students, parents, and other professionals will be selectively interjected (and responded to) by the presenter. Location: Open

Presenting A Career Direction Workshop

(Approx. 6 hrs.) Participants will be exposed to a model that can be used with students at the secondary or college level; with adults in transition or with parents seeking to more effectively guide their offspring. Although the workshop has been significantly extended for inservice/training purposes, participants will actually “go through” all of the activities normally included whenever the workshop is presented (which usually takes about four hours). The workshop intersperses question and answer feedback sessions after each of the major components. The six-hour intense educational experience combines lecture, visuals, verbal interchanges, the administration and interpretation of an online assessment and the COPS Interest Survey, introductory occupational exploration, handouts, individual recommendations and lunch. Location: GRCC campus (or, if preferred, can be negotiated)

Some additional topics for lecture presentations, seminars, and/or workshops:

Behavior Assets & Liabilities:
Highlighting Characteristics That Ensure Success While Avoiding Those That Promote Failure.(1 1/2 hrs.)

Career Planning for High School & College Students:
A Practical Model For Establishing Effective Life Direction. (1 1/2 hrs.)
Career Planning For Adults: Realities & Strategies (1 1/2 hrs.)
Attitude: A Key Ingredient of Career Development (1 hr.)
Effective Decision Making (1 hr.)
Establishing Direction in Life: A “How To” Approach Based on Life Values (1 1/2 hrs.)
Life Stages: An Important Consideration When Doing Life Planning (1 hr.)
Labor Market Trends:
A Brief Look at Current Projections - How Should You Prepare? (1 hr.)
Making Wise Decisions and Setting Goals (1 1/2 hrs.)
Self-Defeating Behaviors (1 hr.)
Skills Analysis (2 hrs.)
Who Am I? (1 1/2 hrs.)
Re-Creating One’s Self and One’s Career (2 hrs.)
How Much Education or Training Do I Need?.....1 yr?....2 yrs?....4 yrs or beyond? (1hr.)

NOTE: All of the above topics are presented by Paul Phifer, Director of Career Development Services at Grand Rapids Community College.
If you are interested in any of the above or in a topic not listed, please contact our office at either (616) 234-3890 or (616) 234-3891

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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Avenue, NE
Grand Rapids Michigan, 49503 PH. (616) 234-4000

Updated on 15-AUG-06
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