Howard County Holds 3rd Annual Career Exploration Day

Howard County’s Office of Workforce Development, Department of Citizen Services, the Public School System and the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services hosted the County’s third annual Career Exploration Day for high school students with disabilities today. Thirty-two students were selected to participate in this half-day job shadowing event and experience the diverse employment opportunities available in local government and private sector businesses.

“Everyone benefits from an event like this. The students have a chance to explore the possibilities of real-life careers in the public and private sector. Staff has an opportunity to meet potential future employees and learn how simple workplace accommodations can make all the difference to an individual living with a disability,” said County Executive Ken Ulman.

Students began their day with a welcoming ceremony in the Media Room of the Howard County Public School System’s Applications and Research Lab Building at 8 a.m. Following the ceremony, students traveled to their assigned work sites (based on identified areas of vocational interest), met with staff, learned about the qualifications and skills needed to perform various jobs, and then completed a task relevant to the office where they are assigned.

Government and business hosts for the day included: Howard County Government’s Departments of County Administration, Police, Fire & Rescue Services, Recreation & Parks, Citizen Services, Public Works, Technology & Communications and Finance. Students were also assigned to the Office of Workforce Development, State of Maryland’s Division of Rehabilitation Services, Economic Development Authority, Howard County Office of Tourism and Promotion, Nightmare Graphics, B & O Railroad Station Museum, Columbia Bank, Humanim, Home Depot, E-Structors and Howard Community College.