Expose
The 'Expose' pillar provides youth with first insights into the world of work. Activities such as workplace visits, career fair and career talks allow children and youth to obtain information about the professional work environment and provide an insight into career opportunities and apprenticeships.
Content of a 'Explore' activityThe range of topics that can be covered within the 'Explore' pillars are diverse. Mentors bring with then varied experience and knowledge and provide valuable individual support. Possible topics include:
- Definition of goals and development of individual strategies; joint development of objectives (short, medium and long-term) including the necessary steps and implementation or solution strategies; development of personal competencies; reflection on and development of personal competencies, e.g. by means of a location analysis, potential analysis and strengths/weaknesses analysis, and, if necessary, a diversity dimension analysis; transfer of informal knowledge bases; transfer of informal knowledge by "showing mentees the ropes" in the desired field of activity.
- Networking - Practical tips to help establish and maintain networks that can be professionally or personally benefitial.
- Choice of profession - What aspirations does the mentee have? Develop realistic scenarios with alternative options. What paths are open to help the mentee work towards their goal? Work together to develop strategies to realize their objectives.
- Career entry - When starting their careers, mentees find themselves at an important crossroads in their lives, facing important questions about career orientation and possible career paths as well as application strategies. In order to make well-balanced, confident decisions on future careers, it is important to develop a sound knowledge base. This can be done with the help of the mentor's experience and discussed together. An important prerequisite for this process is having a mentor who is sensitive towards the topics of equal opportunities and social integration.
- Application - What does a proper application look like? How todo you successfully pass an application interview? What do you need to know about an entrance test? What types of application process exist? Mentors can share tips on practical procedures, practise interview situations and share personal or network information.
- Integration - Support in developing language skills. Access to "other" social groups and thus to other life worlds. Analysis of possible offers of help that can be taken advantage of. Assistance with authorities.
- School leaving certificate - Analysis of the possibilities: which degree > which profession. What support is needed to achieve the desired degree.
Mentoring offers access to role models for young people. In addition to professional exposure and professional experiences, it fosters personal development, trust, self-esteem, and leadership skills. The content of the sessions, as well as the duration, are defined between partners on the ground according to the needs of the young people.
Good Practices
The Good Practice Examples chapter of this Wiki provides insights into different real-life examples all around the globe.
| Chapter lead | Susanne Novotny |
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