Career Experience

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.

The purpose of the internship program is to offer qualified students the opportunity to apply and build upon Academy course skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Internship Sponsors 2006-2007
Fairfax County Government Department of Vehicle Services
Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
H2Gen Innovations, Inc.
Belle Haven Country Club
Dane Electrical
B.L. Miller Refrigeration, Inc
Saratoga Mobil Service
Franconia Sunoco
Greendale Golf Course
Acura of Bailey's Crossroads

Internship Application Steps
1. Discuss your interest in the program with your Academy teacher. Your teacher will have to recommend you to the Internship program.
2. Meet all eligibility requirements as stated below.
3. Download and complete the application forms in the Academy Internship Program - Student Packet (coming soon). You may also obtain a Student Packet from the Academy Career Experience Specialist, Ms. Kathleen Taylor. Her office can be found in the Academy main office.
4. Distribute the teacher and counselor recommendation forms to your Academy Instructor and your base school counselor to be completed and returned to Ms. Williford.
5. Prepare your resume and attach it to the Internship Application.
6. Submit Application and all required completed forms to Ms. Williford.
7. Schedule a meeting with Ms. Williford to discuss specific program requirements, expectation, your interests and goals and potential internship placements.
8. Prepare for your interview and internship experience.

Internship Eligibility Requirements
Maintain good academic standing in your academy classes; a grade of B is the recommended minimum average for the Academy class.
Maintain a good professional business attitude in the classroom, with the teachers, students and all adults.
Maintain a good record with little to no discipline action taken against you.
Demonstrate excellent school attendance; a 95% attendance rate is recommended.
Be recommended by your Academy instructor and base school counselor.
Provide your own transportation to and from the internship site.

Summer Job Fair- Students looking for part-time employment in the Alexandria-Springfield area are welcome to attend the Summer Job Fair held every May. Retail, restaurants, parks and recreation are among the numerous employers represented. The 2006-2007 Job Fair will be hosted at South County High School.