Career Networks

A Career Network is a flexible, volunteer-led group where students explore careers through hands-on activities, workplace experiences, service projects, competitions, mentoring, and WorkSmart badges.

Each network can look different. Leaders choose what fits their students, schedule, interests, and available resources.

Example 1: A Simple Career Network

A leader helps a few students choose a badge, make a plan, and complete the activities on their own. The group meets again later to share what they learned and celebrate.

Example 2: A Highly Involved Career Network

Another leader may meet twice a month for guest speakers, field trips, service projects, competitions, mentorships, hands-on activities, badges, and WorkSmart events.

One of the greatest strengths of a Career Network is its flexibility. There is no required meeting schedule, minimum number of activities, members, or expectation that every network operates the same way.

Start with what you have and build as your interests, time, and membership grow.

There is no "right" way to lead a Career Network. Whether your group earns one badge each semester or participates in a wide variety of activities, every step helps students explore careers, build confidence, develop workplace skills, and strengthen their community.

You don't have to build a large organization to make a difference. One caring adult and a few interested students are enough to start a WorkSmart Career Network. Everything else can grow from there. 

Career Networks are built around experience-based learning and community connections, helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Students are not exploring careers alone. They connect with businesses, employers, higher education, workforce partners, mentors, volunteers, and others in their community while earning WorkSmart badges.

Badges may be earned through workplace tours, guest speakers, job shadowing, service projects, competitions, leadership activities, community events, and other real-world experiences.

Students can complete one badge at a time or work toward larger goals over several months, individually or with a group. Every badge represents a meaningful experience and another step toward career readiness.

Career Network Leaders encourage students to explore careers, build skills, and connect with people, experiences, and opportunities in their community.

You don’t have to be a teacher or career expert. WorkSmart provides resources, activity ideas, badge opportunities, guidance, and ongoing support.

Before leading a network, prospective leaders complete required forms, youth-safety expectations, and a background check at our expense.

Once approved, you choose what fits your group. Lead one badge at a time or build a more active Career Network throughout the year.

Students can join a Career Network to explore careers, earn badges, build workplace skills, and connect with mentors, employers, and community partners.

Participation can be as simple as one activity or continue throughout the year, depending on each student's interests and availability. 

Career Networks can fit into classrooms, clubs, homeschool groups, churches, after-school programs, summer events, service projects, and work-based learning.

Free enrollment is required to participate in WorkSmart badges, events, competitions, scholarship opportunities, and other member activities.

Not ready to be a leader but still interested in helping?

Career Networks succeed when communities get involved.

Businesses, educators, parents, professionals, retirees, civic organizations, churches, and volunteers all have something valuable to offer. 

Partners may mentor students, host workplace visits, speak to groups, sponsor activities, volunteer at events, donate funds or supplies, or simply encourage the next generation. 

Every contribution, whether time, knowledge, resources, or financial support, helps create meaningful opportunities for students.

Careers in construction, advanced manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and skilled trades. 

Click the picture for more information!

Careers in healthcare, education, human services, and public safety. (Currently Recruiting Leaders, Sponsors, and Volunteers)

Careers in business, technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, and communications. (Currently Recruiting Leaders, Sponsors, and Volunteers)

Careers in agriculture, energy, environmental systems, and natural resources. Coming soon!

Careers in finance, banking, accounting, and business operations.  Coming soon!

Careers in arts, entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and creative industries.  Coming soon!