Learning Opportunities

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. They outline clear steps students can take to:

  • Enter the workforce right after completing their education.
  • Continue education toward an associate degree.
  • Pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher.

These pathways make education meaningful by showing students how their coursework leads to careers in fields they care about.

What is Career Education?

Career Education programs (formerly Career Technical Education or CTE) prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers in today’s job market. These programs combine classroom learning with real-world skills to ensure students are ready for work or further education.

Programs of study include:

  • Business and Office Skills (e.g., Accounting)
  • Health Careers
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Applied STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Career Education programs can lead to:

  • Certificates in specific career fields
  • Associate degrees
  • High-wage, high-demand jobs
  • Opportunities for further education

Career and Workforce Solutions Center (CWSC)

The Career and Workforce Solutions Center is here to help students plan for their future.

Services include:

  • Career counseling and planning
  • Career assessments to help identify your strengths and interests
  • Resume writing and interview preparation
  • Job search strategies
  • Support with choosing a college major
  • Job fairs, workshops, and events

The CWSC also connects students to jobs and internships through CODJobHUB.com.

Need Work Experience?
CWSC staff and faculty can answer questions about enrolling in Work Experience courses, which allow you to earn credit while gaining valuable work skills.

Business and Industry Partnerships

Advisory committees are made up of leaders from local industries who provide guidance on our Career Education programs. These partnerships ensure that our programs meet real-world industry needs and prepare students for local job opportunities.

Advisory members help by:

  • Speaking to classes about careers and job opportunities
  • Hosting workplace field trips
  • Serving as mentors
  • Offering internships and employment

Advisory committees also give feedback on improving programs to keep California competitive in the global economy.

Want to get involved?
For more information about advisory committee membership, call the CTE Transitions Office at 760-565-4832.

High School/Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Articulation

Articulation allows students to earn college credit while still in high school.

What does this mean?
High school and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses are matched to equivalent college courses. If you complete an approved high school class, you can:

  • Earn college credits or placement credit.
  • Avoid repeating coursework in college.
  • Save time and money while completing a certificate or degree.

How does it work?
High school teachers and college instructors work together to make sure courses align and meet the same academic standards. Students who successfully complete articulated classes are ready for the next level of education or the workforce.

Benefits of Articulation:

  • Seamless transition from high school to college.
  • Faster completion of certificates or degrees.
  • Lower cost of education.
  • Greater likelihood of attending and completing college.

At College of the Desert, articulation agreements ensure students get credit for their hard work and can move forward confidently in their education or career.