Career education and guidance
As an education professional, you play an important role in guiding students toward their next step: internship, work or further learning. For students with support needs, this is especially important. Personal guidance helps to see and seize opportunities. Below you will find tools to make career orientation and guidance (CEG) more inclusive: before, during and after the program.
Why CEG is important?
Career counseling doesn’t just start at graduation. It runs like a thread through college – from study choice to first job.
For some students, it is difficult to keep track, present themselves or find appropriate opportunities. Consider students with:
- a disability or chronic condition
- psychological complaints or stress
- A small network or little work experience
- uncertainty about their capabilities
Good CEG ensures that students find their place in the job market with more confidence and direction.
Internship as a bridge to work
ear many students, an internship is the first real step into professional practice. A chance to grow, gain experience and show what you can do.
For students with support needs, however, that step is not always obvious. An inclusive internship makes all the difference.
What is an inclusive internship?
An internship site where the learning environment adapts to the student – not the other way around. Accessibility, guidance and communication are key.
For whom is this important?
For students with:
- physical or psychological limitations
- informal care responsibilities or young parenthood
- neurodivergence such as ADHD or autism
- other special circumstances.
What does this require of education and employers?
- Clear communication and realistic learning goals
- flexibility in tasks and guidance
- awareness among internship supervisors
- Support in having the right conversation.
Why it works. Inclusive internships make students feel seen and better able to develop. It also contributes to organizations with more diversity and civic engagement
Transition to work
The transition from study to work is exciting and sometimes difficult. Students with support needs may experience obstacles such as a functional disability, lack of network or social barriers.
What can you do as a professional?
- Identify who needs additional support.
- Encourage self-confidence and direction.
- Help with job applications and communication with employers.
- Work with partners inside and outside the school.
- Provide a warm transfer after graduation.
