How Do I Make a Connection between School & Career?
Career Pathways
Career pathways help students connect what they learn in school to real-world careers and educational opportunities. These pathways provide clear steps students can take to:
- Enter the workforce after completing training or education
- Continue toward an associate degree
- Transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Build skills for high-demand careers
Career pathways help students see how their education connects directly to their future goals.
What is Career Education?
Career Education programs (formerly Career Technical Education or CTE) prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers through hands-on learning and industry-focused instruction.
These programs combine classroom learning with real-world experience so students are prepared for employment, further education, and career advancement.
Areas of Study Include:
- Business and Office Skills
- Health Careers
- Early Childhood Education
- Applied STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- And many other career-focused programs
Career Education Programs Can Lead To:
- Industry-recognized certificates
- Associate degrees
- High-wage, high-demand careers
- University transfer opportunities
- Workforce and internship experience
Career and Workforce Solutions Center (CWSC)
The Career and Workforce Solutions Center helps students explore careers, prepare for employment, and plan their educational journey.
Student Services Include:
- Career counseling and planning
- Career assessments to identify interests and strengths
- Resume and interview preparation
- Job search assistance
- Support with choosing a major or career path
- Career fairs, workshops, and networking events
Students can also connect with employers, internships, and job opportunities through Handshake, a platform designed to connect students with industry partners and career opportunities.
Gain Real-World Experience
Students can earn college credit while developing valuable workplace skills through Work Experience courses.
Benefits include:
- Building professional experience
- Exploring career interests
- Strengthening resumes and applications
- Networking with local employers
- Applying classroom learning in real work settings
CWSC staff and faculty are available to help students learn more about Work Experience opportunities.
Business and Industry Partnerships
College of the Desert works closely with local business and industry leaders to ensure Career Education programs align with workforce needs and emerging career opportunities.
Industry partners support students by:
- Speaking in classrooms
- Hosting workplace tours and field trips
- Serving as mentors
- Offering internships and employment opportunities
- Advising programs on current industry trends and skills
These partnerships help students prepare for careers in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Interested in Getting Involved?
For information about advisory committee membership, contact the CTE Transitions Office at (760) 776-7248.
Dual Enrollment for High School Students
High school students can get a head start on college and career preparation through Dual Enrollment opportunities at College of the Desert.
Dual Enrollment allows students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school, helping them earn college credit early and explore career pathways before graduation.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment:
- Earn college credit while in high school
- Save time and money on college coursework
- Explore career interests early
- Build confidence in college-level classes
- Prepare for college and career success
Students may have opportunities to take Career Education courses connected to programs such as health care, business, STEM, education, and more.
College of the Desert partners with local high schools to create accessible pathways that support student success from high school through college and into the workforce.
Start Building Your Future
Whether you are exploring careers, preparing for college, or ready to enter the workforce, Career Education pathways at College of the Desert can help you take the next step toward your goals.
