Career Connections

What is Career Connections?

Career Connections is a short-term work-based learning experience that allows students to observe a host employer during a workday by observing work activities and asking questions. 

Why would I want to participate in career connections?

It offers a practical exposure to a particular career or industry in your top area of interest.  You are able to witness a variety of tasks and learn about the educational/training requirements associated with the career/industry.  It provides a realistic impression and assists in solidifying your interests and compatibility in the associated career pathway.

How do I qualify?

Any 11th grader may request an opportunity to career connect if he/she meets the following conditions:

• Has a cumulative 2.8 weighted grade point average
• Has no more than 3 unexcused absences in any of his/her current classes at the time of the request

Are there other requirements for me to be able to participate in career connecting?

• Complete Interest Finder and Career Cluster Match on www.nccareers.org
  • Login with your NCEdCloud account to save your work.
  • Submit the following screenshots to your Career Development Coordinator (CDC) via email no later than September 30, 2025:
    • Interest Finder Results
    • Top three Clusters from Career Cluster Match
• You must be able to provide your own transportation to and from the job shadowing site.

***Rescheduling will not be allowed unless the employer cancels/needs to reschedule or you have a doctor’s note for sickness.

What do I do once I have met the above requirements?

1. Complete an ONLINE application.  Link: https://bit.ly/DCSCC2025  from September 15-30, 2026.   NO late applications will be accepted.
2. Complete the Student/Parent Career Connections Agreement and Waiver Form (last 2 pages of this packet) and submit to your schools Career Development Coordinator no later than Friday, October 3, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You may:

• Request a specific location/employer (with the exception of ECU Health Hospital) (must be approved).
• Find your own placement (must be approved prior to reaching out to the employer. 
• Be accompanied by a small group of other students during your career connecting experience.
• Allow the Work-Based Learning Coordinator to find your career connect placement.

What happens after I turn in my application?

• Your application will be reviewed to make sure you meet the required guidelines.
• You will receive an email notifying you have been approved to career connect and paperwork will be emailed to you to be completed and turned in to your school’s Career Development Coordinator if you have met all of the guidelines.
• All accepted students will be called together at each school for group orientation prior to their career connection experiences.  
• The work-based learning coordinator will work with the students in setting up the experiences individually after orientation.

What if I didn’t qualify in the 11th grade for Career Connections?

You must have a 2.0 GPA and must have completed the career development requirements listed for juniors and seniors in the DCS STEAMA Career & College Readiness Plan to participate in the senior year.  

Questions?

Contact your schools Career Development Coordinator OR Susi Burger, DCS Work-Based Learning Coordinator at sburger@duplinschools.net

Link to 2025-2026 Application Packet which includes the Student/Parent Waiver.