CAREER & WBL CONNECTIONS
At Maryville High School, students have opportunities throughout high school to explore their interests, connect with employers, experience real workplaces, develop professional skills, earn industry credentials, and prepare for life after high school.
Tabs
🔎 Explore
Discover Your Interests
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Career interest and aptitude assessments through SchoolLinks
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Elective Fair to connect course choices with interests and future goals. See also MHS CTE Career Guide
Career Exploration
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Guest speakers: Teachers invite industry professionals to speak with students based on current term instructional needs & pacing. Students and families who have a potential industry connection or guest speaker suggestion are encouraged to share it with the student's teacher.
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Field Trips & Workplace Tours Teachers pre-arrange class visits to worksites and/or field trips based on current term instructional needs and pacing.
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Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) CTSOs give students opportunities to develop technical knowledge, leadership skills, teamwork, communication, and career-related experience through activities and competitions. Explore MHS Clubs & Organizations
Connect With Industry
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Employer of the Day Events: Make the most of your time at MHS! Interact with industry partners (local business, military, or college) during the school day! Check Schoolinks often for upcoming visits (Schoolinks→Engage→Events).
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Career Fairs: MHS hosts multiple career fair events ranging from Job Fairs to Non-Profit Fairs to Summer & Part Time Job Fairs. Meet multiple employers and organizations and learn what they look for in future employees and how they contribute to our community! Visit Schoolinks to see when the next Career Fair is (Schoolinks→Engage→Events)!
🛠️ Prepare
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Workplace professionalism skills taught within CTE courses.
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Optional career workshops
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January Job Prep Sessions for seniors
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Make an appointment with staff for assistance with résumé reviews, job applications, interview practice, and more.
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Industry credentials and Post-secondary credits Many MHS CTE programs provide opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials and post-secondary credits.
🤝 Experience
WBL Credit-Bearing Course (18-week commitment)
Students spend a term, and possibly beyond, working for an employer while they earn high school credit. This is a course with assignments and grades, but students are allowed to leave campus most days to gain work experience. See your counselor about registering for a Work-Based Learning Career Practicum course and visit the MHS Counseling Canvas page for pre-requisites. Application is required
Job Shadows (3-6 hour commitment)
Spend several hours or a full day experiencing a career firsthand. Job shadows are optional, enrichment activities that are student-led, similar to college visits. Learn more on the MHS Counseling Canvas page.
Resources for a student’s first part-time job:
Mini Part Time Job Fairs Select local employers connect with current students seeking part-time, holiday, summer, or seasonal jobs. Check Schoolinks often for upcoming visits (Schoolinks→Engage→Events).
MHS Opportunity Board The MHS Opportunity Board is where our industry partners post open job positions, job shadow opportunities, volunteer opportunities and/or or career camps! Check Schoolinks often for new job postings (Schoolinks→Engage→Opportunities).
📋 Plan
🎓 ENROLLED
2- or 4- year College • Trade School • Apprenticeships • Postsecondary Education
🏅 ENLISTED
Military Careers • Military Service
💼 EMPLOYED
Employment • Internships • Job Opportunities • Workforce
Explore upcoming college, military, and employer visits in Schoolinks → Engage → Events.
📅 Events
Throughout the school year, MHS provides opportunities for students to connect with local employers, organizations, and community partners; explore career paths; develop workforce skills; and discover ways to serve their community. Check Schoolinks often for the most recent schedule of upcoming events (Schoolinks→Engage→Events).
Annual Career Connection Events:
Employer of the Day - Throughout the School Year
Meet local employers and organizations during lunch to learn about careers, businesses, and job opportunities.
Mini Part Time Job Fairs
Select local employers connect with current students seeking part-time, holiday, summer, or seasonal jobs.
Non-Profit Fair
Students will meet with local non-profits during lunch periods to learn about community needs, volunteer opportunities, and part-time work. Over 20 organizations will be represented over 5 days, helping students fulfill service requirements & discover ways to make a difference.
January Job Prep Sessions for Seniors
Community partners will lead small-group workshops on essential workforce skills such as job applications, interview strategies, and resumes. These sessions solidify seniors' preparedness for life after graduation.
Optional career workshops
MHS staff will lead optional career workshops throughout the school year
MHS Job Fair
Over 1,200 students will participate in this large-scale career fair, meeting with employers to explore career opportunities, ask questions, and build connections. The event is especially designed for seniors preparing to enter the workforce, while also giving all students a chance to network with potential future employers.
Summer & Part-Time Job Showcase
This fair is designed for local employers to connect with current students and soon-to-be graduates who are actively seeking part-time jobs, summer employment, and opportunities to build their skills and explore career pathways. The showcase helps students secure meaningful employment while supporting community workforce needs.
Organizations interested in participating in any of these events are encouraged to contact rosanna.giles@maryville-schools.org for more information.
👷♂️ Industry Partners
Organizations interested in supporting career exploration, workforce development, or student career-connected learning opportunities are encouraged to contact: Rosanna Giles, Work-Based Learning Coordinator (rosanna.giles@maryville-schools.org )
Ways to Get Involved
- Guest Speakers Share your career journey, industry knowledge, and workplace experiences with students through classroom presentations.
- Employer of the Day Allow us to showcase the important work your organization does in our community while sharing information about your industry, career pathways, and opportunities with students during lunch periods.
- Career Fairs & Community Events Participate in events that allow students to explore careers, ask questions, and learn about employment, education, military, and service opportunities.
- Job Shadows Host students for a short workplace observation experience that provides firsthand exposure to career fields and professional environments.
- Workplace Tours & Field Trips Help students experience real workplaces by opening your facility for tours and career exploration visits.
- Work-Based Learning Placements Partner with MHS to provide meaningful work experiences for students enrolled in work-based learning courses.
- Part-Time, Seasonal, & Full-Time Employment Share employment opportunities with current students and graduating seniors through the MHS Opportunity Board and career events.
- Volunteer & Service Opportunities Help students engage with their community while developing professional and leadership skills.
🆘 Get Help
Need help figuring out your next step?
Career & Postsecondary Planning
Jennifer Abernathy — College and Career Counselor
jennifer.abernathy@maryville-schools.org
Works with students to develop a clear postsecondary plan. Supports career exploration, college planning, and helping students connect their interests and aptitudes to future career pathways.
Wes Lambert — Ready Graduate Coordinator
wes.lambert@maryville-schools.org
Provides support for students exploring military service, trade schools, apprenticeships, workforce entry, and other postsecondary pathways. Assists students who need additional help developing a plan for life after graduation.
Work-Based Learning
Rosanna Giles — WBL Coordinator
rosanna.giles@maryville-schools.org
Helps students explore careers, connect with employers, and access opportunities through work-based learning courses, career events, and employment experiences while building partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals.
Smith Jean-Philippe — TSW Coordinator
smith.jeanphilippe@maryville-schools.org
Supports students through work-based learning courses and career-connected experiences while helping students develop workplace readiness skills and gain exposure to careers and industry partners.
