Community & Work-Based Learning Program
Options High School offers five different types of work-based learning experiences:
1. Phone Informational Interview
2. On-site Informational Interview
3. Job Shadow
4. Internship
5. Mentorship
Informational Interview Overview
(Phone or On-site)
An Informational Interview is an opportunity for you to talk with someone who is actually working in a pathway
of interest to you. This interview may take place over the phone or in person at the job-site. Your goal will be
to learn as much as possible by listening, asking good questions, and taking good notes. You will be prepared for
your informational interview, but you will have to fulfill your responsibilities.
The goal of an Informational Interview is to obtain relevant first hand information regarding a specific career
from someone who is currently working in that field. Most people are happy to talk with others who are enthusiastic
and interested in their career field, their job and their company.
Job Shadow Overview
An Job Shadow is an opportunity for you to talk with and observe during working hours someone who is actually working
in a pathway of interest to you. This "shadow" opportunity will take place at your "host’s"
place of work. Your goal will be to learn as much as possible by listening, asking good questions, and taking good
notes. A job shadow usually lasts from two to three hours, depending on the type of business and the amount of
time the employer can offer. You will be prepared for your job shadow, but you will have to fulfill your responsibilities.
The goal of a Job Shadow is to obtain relevant first hand information regarding a specific career from someone
who is currently working in that field. Most people are happy to talk with others who are enthusiastic and interested
in their career field, their job and their company.
Internship Overview
An internship is a semester-long opportunity for you to work at a business in a pathway of interest to you. This
"internship" is unpaid work experience that occurs during one or two of your regularly scheduled periods
for the entire semester. Your goal will be to learn as much as possible by listening, observing, asking good questions,
and participating in the work environment. You will have specific responsibilities that you will need to fulfill
in order to earn a semester credit.
Mentorship Overview
A mentorship is the opportunity to discuss your career objectives with someone who is already employed in your
area of interest. It gives you the chance to discuss your goals and plans with a professional. A mentorship can
last several meetings or semesters as you make your plans for your future.
What’s In It for Me?
1.You will learn firsthand what really goes on in the work place. 2.You can explore a career in which you might
have an interest. 3.You will understand what is needed to get different jobs. 4.You will learn part of the process
of career exploration. 5.You will have fun
Students should talk to Steve about any of these learning opportunities.