DuBois Area High School 

Junior Career Exploration Project for AP US History 
Student Information:  
Name:  Zach Farrell  Grade:   11 
Teacher:  Mr. Burns  Course:  AP US History 
 
Career Exploration Sessions and Assignments 
● Session 1​: CC Matchmaker (Questions 1-116) 
o Assignment 1: CC Matchmaker Reflection – ​5 Points 
● Session 2​: Resume Development Session and Job Shadow Requirements and Expectations 
o Assignment 2: Resume – ​25 Points 
o Assignment 3: Job Shadow Reflection and Form – ​25 Points 
● Session 3​: CC My Skills Assessment  
o Assignment 4: CC My Skills Assessment – ​5 Points 
● Session 4: ​Self-Marketing Package Development  
o (Assignment 2: Resume​ - (​ Include Resume in Self-Marketing Package)) 
o Assignment 5: Cover Letter – ​20 Points 
o Assignment 6: Job Application Information Sheet – ​5 Points 
o Assignment 7: List of References – ​5 Points 
● Session 5: ​Business Presentation from Local Business Owner  
o Assignment 8: Business Presentation Reflection ​– 5 Points 
● Session 6:​ Career (Google) Portfolio Development and My Senior Year Plan and Beyond 
o Assignment 9: M ​ y Senior Year Plan – ​25 Points 
o Assignment 10: Google Portfolio – ​5 Points 

Total Points  125 Points  

 

Session 1: CC Matchmaker (Questions 1-116) 

Assignment 1: Career Cruising (CC) Matchmaker Reflection (5pts) 
Directions: ​After completing your Career Cruising Matchmaker Session​, ​complete a reflection entry in the space 
below. 
My top two careers were GIS Specialist and Technical Writer. I was kind of surprised 
for both of them, especially for Technical Writer. I’ve never really seen myself as 
someone who can explain stuff very easily, because I tend to get caught up and 
explain every little detail, especially when I’m writing. But I still do like to explain 
things, like how they work and my opinions on things. I was surprised by the GIS 
Specialist career because even though I like to look to look at maps to see old 
routes and bridges and all other types of info regarding to that, I don’t necessarily 
feel like I would be good at plotting that info. I am good with directions, but I just 
don’t know if it would interest me enough. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Session 2: ​Resume Development Session and Job Shadow Requirements and Expectations 
Assignment 2: Resume Development 
 

Directions: ​After completing your resume, save it as ​Grade 11 (Your Last Name) Resume​.  
 
Resume Rubric: 
● Format/Appearance – 5 pts 
● Organization – 5 pts 
● Content – 10 pts 
● Grammar – 5 pts  
My Resume: ​https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fuwV10TOoDHUMa_u8KuodbSwz2zCA_aREsymcpt9HGw  
Assignment 3: Job Shadow 
Type of Job Shadow You Completed:​ ​Check One 
  On-Site  X  Virtual 
 

Directions: ​After completing your job shadow (on-site or virtual), complete a reflection using the format 
below and submit a Job Shadow artifact.   
 

Job Shadow Essay Format (20 points)   

1. (2pts) Paragraph 1: Introduction (2 pts)   
a. Why did you choose this job shadow experience? 
b. What type of job shadow did you complete? On-site or Virtual? 
c. Where did the job shadow take place? 
d. Who was the job shadow with? 
2. (4 pts) Paragraph 2: Explanation of experiences  
a. (​On-Site​) What did you do during your on-site job shadow?  
b. (​Virtual​) What did they do during the virtual job shadow?  
3. (5 pts) Paragraph 3 for ​On-Site​: Supervisor Interview  
a. Using your responses from your Supervisor Interview found on the job shadow form, provide 
a summary of what you learned  
4. (5 pts) Paragraph 3 for ​Virtual​: Explanation of what you learned 
a. Provide a summary of what you learned watching the virtual job shadow 
5. (4pts) Paragraph 4: Conclusion 
a. How did this job shadow impact your career goals? Do you want to continue to pursue this 
career or do you want to pursue a different career? Why? What are your next steps? 
Job Shadow Artifact (5 Points) 
1. On-Site – If you completed an On-Site Job Shadow, you must scan/photograph and upload your 
Job Shadow Form  
2. Virtual – If you completed a virtual Job Shadow, you must include a screenshot of your online Job 
Shadow Experience. 
My Job Shadow Artifacts/Screenshots: 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sE44NzranVdB6bMhY5WbvnkyCZ46K_Ux
​https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-1ULHBiTAr8bPItK_JOXzRvtgrvmQ4wy
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ie6R1F5hPmJjmBX53waGddwGKuX_i956
My Job Shadow Reflection: 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gdEfuaJAW7_9ojSJJR_KIG6IY9QMG2IJ-duP8GFmROA  
 
 
 
Session 3: CC My Skills Assessment  
Assignment 4: Career Cruising (CC) My Skills Assessment Reflection 
Directions: ​After completing your Career Cruising My Skills Assessment Session​, ​complete a reflection entry in the 
space below. 
GIS Specialist would be a good career because I’m interested in Geography, I can 
prepare and interpret maps, and I can seek out the information needed and I’m 
pretty good with computers. Writer would be a good match for me also because I 
do like to write, especially my opinions on stuff. I could write articles, a book, or 
write whatever I’m needed for at a job or business. I am pretty good with 
vocabulary, and I am good at processing what I need to write. I also enjoy history, 
and I can seek out the info needed. To get better with these skills, I simply need to 
keep reading and writing, and put all of my effort into essays and writings at school. 
I also need to keep an enjoyment for reading history and looking at historical maps. 
 
 
 
Session 4: Self-Marketing Package Requirements 
Assignment 5: Cover Letter  
Overview: ​Your cover letter is a potential employer’s first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the 
application packet. A well written letter entices the employer to read your resume. The same can be said for a 
college or scholarship application that includes an introductory letter. It is important to highlight your skills, 
knowledge, and experience. These will indicate what you can contribute to the company or school. Effective cover 
letters must convey a sense of purpose and project enthusiasm. A “form” cover letter rarely does this. Researching 
the employer, college, or scholarship prior to writing the cover letter will give you the opportunity to effectively 
personalize your letter.  
 
Directions:​ Using the Courier Express, Indeed.com, or another job search resource, find a job that aligns with your 
career interests. After selecting a job, create a cover letter using the following format: 
● HEADING 
○ Your Mailing Address City, State Zip Code Today’s Date  
● INSIDE ADDRESS 
○ Employer’s Name Job Title Business Name Business Address City, State Zip Code 
● SALUTATION  
○ Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) (Use the name of the person that will read the letter):  
● INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH 
○ Tell why you are writing. 
● 1ST MAIN PARAGRAPH 
○ Describe your qualifications. Sell your skills and knowledge. Tell why you are interested in the company 
or college. Point out any related experience you have.  
● 2ND MAIN PARAGRAPH  
○ Continue to describe qualifications. Highlight relevant training or classes that relate to the job or major 
for which you are applying.  
● CLOSING PARAGRAPH  
○ Close by thanking the reader and requesting an interview.  
● COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE  
○ Sincerely 
● SIGNATURE NAME  
● ENCLOSURE  
○ This indicates that you have enclosed other items (resume, transcripts, etc.) for the reader to see.  
 
Cover Letter Resources: 
● http://www.bths.edu/intern/DOCS/Preparing_a_Student_Cover_Letter.pdf  
● https://www.thebalancecareers.com/student-cover-letter-samples-2063664  
My Cover Letter: ​https://drive.google.com/open?id=1idmsN6Skga7dDMp4kX3trn5MImeTvCxHjsbRyJ52N_I  
Assignment 6: Job Application Reference Sheet  
Overview:​ ​When you complete a job application, regardless of whether it is a ​paper application​ or an ​online job 
application​, there is information you will need to provide in order to apply for the job, and be considered for the 
position. On your application, you will be asked to provide personal information, ​work history​, education, 
qualifications, and skills. A great way to simplify the process of completing job applications is to have a Job 
Application Information Sheet.   
 
Directions: ​Make a copy of the attached link and then complete. 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wDICquwCYFSDx2tyvy5_Iajnks5U7G-fQMUxVPoo1ik/edit?usp=sharing  
My Job Application Sheet: ​https://drive.google.com/open?id=166FZczy7Ig-HgY9qAZMv-O6IH9cSqJeUj_8ILxVtf58  
 
Assignment 7: List of References  
Overview: ​When you need to provide references to a potential employer, the best way to do it is to create a 
reference page you can share with them. A reference page is a list of your references. You don’t want to ​include 
the list on your resume​. Create a separate list you can upload with your job application, if it’s requested, or have one 
ready to print out so you can give it to the hiring manager at your interview.  
 
Directions: ​Make a copy of the attached link and then complete.  
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TrTvtREwWMfSvbAyF0YY65mVVtCf3ToXhOfStHD2lvQ/edit?usp=sharing  
My Reference Sheet: ​https://drive.google.com/open?id=1O19ddRpiWE2y7EeTC86wbDDDa1hrV1Yt1m-7KZWJsy0  
 
Session 5: Business Presentation from Local Business Owner  
Assignment 8: Business Presentation Reflection  
Directions: ​After attending the Business presentation, complete a reflection entry in the space below. 
 
I learned that a franchise is usually a like a chain of business/company/corporation 
or part of a company owned by a franchisor. The franchisor then basically loans a 
license out to a franchisee, who owns either a different bunch of establishments in 
a certain area. It allows people to own a business or an establishment without 
having to create it themselves. It benefits the economy because it allows for 
quicker establishments of businesses, more investments, it creates more jobs, and 
stimulates production. Mostly every company has a franchise, and cities usually 
get in contact with franchisees in order to bring more business. 
 
 
 
 

Session 6: Career (Google) Portfolio Development and My Senior Year Plan 

Assignment 9: My Senior Year Plan 
Directions:​ Using the feedback from your Career Cruising sessions, your experience participating in a virtual or on-site 
Job Shadow, and​ ​your scheduling meeting with your school counselor, write a reflection on your plan for your senior 
year plan. 
My Senior Year Plan In A Seperate Document: 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1erRipADpPS1iLldryxtqdmOZYKWbR2lm_gW5S2i43vI  
My Senior Year Reflection Format (20 points)   
1. (5pts) Paragraph 1: Introduction  
a. What are your current career interests? 
b. Does the feedback from your Career Cruising sessions align with your career interests? Why 
or Why not? 
c. How did your job shadow impact your career interests?   
2. (5 pts) Paragraph 2: Senior Courses   
a. What courses best align to your career choices?   
 b. How will the courses that you selected help to prepare you for your career interests? 
3. (5 Pts) Paragraph 3: Conclusion 
a. What are some extracurricular activities, community service opportunities, and/or 
employment options that you could do to gain experiences or skills for your field/career of 
interest? (If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching you could tutor, be a 
volunteer coach, be a volunteer Big Brother/Big Sister, babysit, volunteer at an elementary 
school, participate in Read Across America Day, etc) 
My current career interests include going to college or trade school. I don’t 
really have any solid career interests, but I might be interested in something 
involved with IT, economics, geography, or engineering. My results sort of match 
up with my career interests. GIS Specialist was my top result for careers, which I can 
understand because I do like geography. But, I don’t really feel as if it’s a great 
recommendation because my career interests are not really set firmly in my mind. 
I’m still making up my mind. I also got back careers that have to do with 
economics, like Retail Buyer and Purchaser, but I don’t think those are really are 
careers that you could get coming out of college. They are more like jobs you 
could get in your 50’s if you are really high up in a business or management. But, 
Career Cruising does recommend Business Management and Finance to me, so 
maybe it could be a good option. My job shadow did not really affect my career 
interests, except for maybe opening eyes to another possible job or career I could 
be interested in.   
I would say that AP Economics and my Honors English class best align with my 
career interests. I am really interested in economics and politics, and how both of 
them affect each other, so I feel that I need to be more based in economics. 
However, this would be something I would follow into college in order for me to get 
a better understanding of how the economic system works. Honors English is 
another good class for me, because I feel that it is my best class. I like to write and 
explain my viewpoints on issues, so I feel that staying on a fast track for it would be 
important. I also do enjoy reading and analyzing novels that have a message 
about society, and politics, and we go in depth with novels like this in Honors English 
so I think it’s a good fit for me. Being able to understand literature and economics 
and how they mix into society is really important for people to understand, in my 
opinion. I’m not really a big fan of science and math, instead, I really like english, 
history, and politics.   
An extracurricular activity I am going to stay in that I think will help me in the 
future is soccer. I am pretty good at it and I enjoy it a lot. Learning how to work in 
a team is important for the workforce, and I think that sports really illustrate the 
importance of hard work, because you can really focus on improving your skills if 
you keep working hard at each practice. If you keep working hard at each 
practice, and you are good at it, it will most likely translate to victory. But, if you 
slack off at practice and come to a game acting like you are going to 
automatically win, there is a high chance that you will lose. You always have to be 
prepared. Another thing that I am going to do, and I will probably do it this 
summer, is finally get a job. I need to get the experience of having a job, and I am 
probably going to apply at Hoss’s because my older brother has had a job there 
for 2 years, so the people there know me. It is a good option, and it’s always on 
the table. I don’t really know what other activities or jobs to do, but I definitely 
know I have to pick up my school work.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assignment 10: Career Portfolio – 5pts 
Directions:  
1. Create a Career Portfolio Folder in your Google Drive. 
2. Create a Junior Career Folder in your Career Portfolio Folder 
3. Upload the following Items to your Junior Career Portfolio Folder: 
a. Social Studies Career Exploration Project Packet 
i. CC Matchmaker Reflection: ​Artifact 1 
ii. Self-Marketing Package 
1. Resume: ​Artifact 2 
2. Cover Letter: ​Artifact 3 
3. Job Application Information Sheet: ​Artifact 4 
4. List of References: ​Artifact 5 
iii. Job Shadow Reflection: ​Artifact 6A 
iv. Job Shadow Artifact: ​Artifact 6B 
v. CC My Skills Assessment Reflection: ​Artifact 7 
vi. Business Presentation Reflection: ​Artifact 8 
vii. My Senior Year Plan: ​Artifact 9