Career coaches are a vital link in preparing students for the future

Career coach works with high school students to discover pathways to success

“We believe there’s a place in the workforce for every Mississippian who follows a high-skill, high-tech career track into the future. And thanks to a growing focus on career and technical education, many high school students are well on their way to rewarding futures by the time they receive their diplomas.

Finding the right path can be a challenge for many students, though—especially if they’re unaware of resources that are available to help launch their futures. That’s why AccelerateMS career coaches are playing such a vital role in school districts. They’re opening new worlds of opportunity and improving post-graduation outcomes for many students who otherwise might have fallen through the cracks.

When you learn about our career coaches and read their stories, you’ll understand why this approach has been so effective. We’ve all benefited from people in our lives who have helped us believe in ourselves and provided motivation and support. Our career coaches bring that spirit of enthusiasm and encouragement to their jobs, investing in one-on-one time with students to learn their aptitudes and interests and identify a career path that’s right for them.

Career coaches also build connections with local employers as well as community colleges and universities. Students meet business owners, tour work sites and training facilities, and gain real-world experience through internships and jobs. Employers are invited to participate in job fairs and help students improve their résumés and interviewing skills.

AccelerateMS is off to a strong start with our career coaching program, and we see more great things to come as it grows and matures. In the meantime, we’re networking with other coaching programs around the state to identify best practices and opportunities for improvement. When we connect more students with career tracks, that means we’re definitely on the right track.”

- Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director