Core Score assesses core competencies, such as knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors, for five industry sectors and uses work-based scenarios as question prompts. Roadtrip Nation’s career exploration tool has learners identify their interests, discuss how to transcend barriers, explore inspiring video interviews with professionals about their career journeys, and finally map out their own pathway.
Kevela Kirby from WorkReadyU at Dallas College in Dallas, Texas, selected both resources for her multi-level Student Success Prep class.
She began each week by assigning students one sector-based Core Score assessment and then gave them time to reflect on their score reports in roundtable discussions. Students appreciated being able to define and describe their strengths, as well as areas where they need to “skill up,” a term Core Score uses. To build communication and adaptability skills, two areas where her students consistently scored low across all industry assessments, they role-played some of the Core Score assessment scenarios to discuss workplace culture, diversity, and the goals of a workplace. Kevela found that the badges she awarded students for each completed assessment were very motivating.
“The healthcare survey was very realistic, with questions faced on a day-to-day basis in the work field. I am currently a CNA and this was an eye opener and refresher in one. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Kevela combined the use of Core Score assessments with modules from Roadtrip Nation, where students could explore careers they hadn’t considered before, including some requiring a college degree. Armed with more self-awareness from their Core Score assessments, students were eager to investigate careers that play to their strengths and interests. The class found the Roadtrip Nation guide to mapping one’s journey eye-opening as they considered new possible careers and created tangible steps to move towards their goals. Hearing from a wide range of professionals in the videos and using the O*Net integration features showed them how different interests and skills are associated with a variety of work, training, and career paths. Students researched the associate degree requirements at Dallas College and, as a result, eight students submitted applications to the college. Students coming to the class from re-entry programs considered that a degree might help them as they start their own business, giving them a measure of independence in the world of work, a concern when some jobs or careers will not accept their status.
The Roadtrip Nation “Unnecessary Noise” module on overcoming barriers encourages students to look at people who are positive and negative influences in their lives and how to make sure they surround themselves with those who have their success and best interests at heart. They discussed ways to be more independent from the negative influences, taking advantage of college- or community-provided services when needed. They used resources in the module on interviewing skills to prepare resumes and cover letters, discuss interview goals, and then practice with Dallas College Career Services staff, who conducted roundtable mock job interviews with students.
“I never knew what I wanted my major to be. This tool helped me to know what I want to major in when I go to college.”
