Career Planning & Readiness

  • A great way to explore careers you may be interested in is to plan your own half-day job shadow or 30 minute information interview in the field of your interest. Being prepared for this type of experience is the best way to show appreciation to the adult(s) who agreed to meet with you.

    What can you do to get ready for a job shadow or information interview? Look up your host's occupation in Oregon CIS and study topics like Specific Work Activities, Working Conditions & Preparation. Visit their company's website to better understand their services or products. Consult this list of questions and add your own. Plan your trip, calculating when to leave home or school to be on time. Will you need to allow extra time to find parking? Check out TriMet's TripPlanner tool to help you make streetcar, bus or MAX connections.

    More Resources

    Job Shadowing Tips Checklist for Teens

    Tips for a Successful Job Shadowing Experience

    Be inspired by these job shadow stories of University of Oregon business students.

     Important Links

    For information on Oregon Labor Laws, click here.

    Oregon Food Handler Cards

    Food service workers are required to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of beginning work. The cost of the card is $10.00 and the card is valid for three years. Food handler cards issued in any county are valid throughout Oregon. If you have a valid food manager training certificate, it is accepted in lieu of a food handler card. Food handler cards issued in other states are not valid in Oregon.

    Main Course Topics:

    • Employee Illness
    • Handwashing
    • Your Role in Helping Prevent Foodborne Illness
    • The Role of Management in Helping Prevent Foodborne Illness
    • Foodborne Illness
    • Temperature Control
    • Final Cooking Temperature
    • Contamination and Cross Contamination
    • Your own Health Comes First

    You can find registration information at http://otfoodhandlers.com.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    It may be hard to find a job, but the next best thing is volunteering. Volunteers get valuable experience, meet people of all ages and backgrounds, and help with projects that make a difference. If you're under 18, some volunteering organizations require a parent-signed waiver form, and some also require that you attend with an adult. Here are some helpful websites that list numerous volunteer opportunities. Come to the CCC in rm 213 for more information about specific volunteer opportunities.

    VolunteerMatch

    A national website with branches in Portland and other cities, for matching volunteers with the cause of their choice.

    Check it out at VolunteeerMatch.org

    Hands on Greater Portland

    Looking for community service hours or a way to volunteer in the community? Check out HAnds On Greater Portland, a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in the Portland area that range from one-time to long-term commitments. You can search for possibilities that interest you, and sign up right online.

    See: Hands on Portland

    Willamette Week Volunteer Guide

    This is a great resource for finding organizations who are looking for volunteers. It's organized in a way that lets you zero in on your interests: animals, arts, social issues, and youth, among others.

    Check it out at:

    The Willamette Week Volunteer Guide

    Idealist

    This is a national database that matched you with opportunities that speak to your interests.

    Click for more information: Idealist