Each of the FCPS Academies is staffed with a Career Experience Specialist whose primary role is to connect students and teachers to career experiences and resources in the community which will broaden the learning experience for the student in the academy course.

Academy Career Experience Specialists are responsible for the organization and coordination of Career Experience Programs. In addition, the Career Experience Specialist serves as the Academy’s business and community liaison. You may contact a Career Experience Specialist by phone or email:

Students have the option of participating in a variety of career experience programs depending on the class they are enrolled in at the Academy. Some students may participate in customized industry resume workshops and mock interviews; others may be selected to participate in an internship or job shadow experience. The following list details some of the career experience services available to students.

Individual Career Counseling - Students receive assistance in the area(s) of career direction, job search skills, and career etiquette.

Classroom Speaker Series - Based on the career area interests students suggest, area business representatives from those areas will visit Academy classes to present information on the various career fields available, the outlook for that career and other important information to help students with their career decisions, career preparation and job search.

Career Shadow Program- National Groundhog Job Shadow Day occurs in early February and students are offered the opportunity to spend the day with a business representative, receive information about a specific career of interest and get an inside look and overview of the company.

Resume Writing/Critiquing & Interview Preparation - Students participate in a resume workshop in the Fall and develop a generic resume.

Internship Program- Internships are generally held during a student’s second semester of senior year. (Select students may participate in job training programs as early as junior year upon the recommendation of the Academy instructor.) An Academy internship is a prestigious opportunity to apply the certification and skills obtained from the Academy course to a professional business experience. Students participating in the Internship Program must meet all requirements noted prior to being placed.

Career Fair-Some Academies organize annual Career Fairs (in conjunction with base high school). Academy students are invited to participate in the annual event. Students have an opportunity to meet over 50 employers representing federal, state, and local government, as well as private industry.

Summer Job Fair- Students looking for part-time employment in the Alexandria-Springfield area are welcome to attend the Edison Summer Job Fair held every May. Retail, restaurants, parks and recreation are among the numerous employers represented.