Welcome to Career ConneXions!
Our goal of deepening a student's understanding and learning through hands-on experiences and 'live' interactions is as important as ever. Our program vision is to connect students with Alumni and parents in various professional fields as a means of discerning their passion and area of focus for college degrees and ultimately career choice. We believe this program comes at a critical time in our students' journey to discover their life's mission with the benefit of learning from those who have experience and wisdom to share.
Overall Program Information
Program Vision
The St. Xavier High School experiential learning program (aka Career ConneXions) was started 3 years ago and is back again with the goal of deepening a students' understanding and learning through hands-on experiences and 'live' interactions. Our program vision is to connect Alumni and Parents with St. Xavier Students to contribute in their journey as Men for Others by inspiring and educating on fields of study, industry and career planning.We believe this program comes at a critical time in our students' journey to discover their life's mission with the benefit of learning from those who have experience and wisdom to share.
What is offered in the program
When is the program offered
We typically offer an educational class or a speaker event monthly during flex (the lunch free period). We offer Informational Interviewing, Mentoring/Coaching, and Job Shadow Day Experiences throughout the school year. We use the school calendar to take advantage of 'off' days for job shadows. Summer internship opportunities will target Summer 2021. Each event will be well publicized through existing communication channels at school (homeroom announcements, social media, website) and through email (e.g. Principal's Weekly). We also have a REMIND system that parents and students can opt into. Parents can sign in by texting @ccxparent to 81010 and Students can sign in by texting @ccxstudent to 81010.
How can I get involved
For Adult Volunteers: 100% of our programming is made possible through adult volunteers. We would like to encourage participation by seeking your input on where you (and/or your company) can get involved. As stated, there are a variety of ways to be involved, from a simple skype session, informational phone call, shadow day, up to and including a sponsored and paid summer internship. Click here to see a description of the opportunities and to let us know where you and your company can have an impact. As Men and Women for Others, we thank you in advance for playing a vital role in shaping our next generation of St. Xavier leaders.
For St. X Students: This program has so much to offer as you plan your future. It's an exciting time to be part of this ground-breaking program. Click here to see a description of the opportunities available and let us know where you want to get involved.
Upcoming Events
3/22: Elizabeth Jones - Discussing First Impressions and Impact Interviewing
3/31: Mike and Jim Roberts discuss the spectrum of the legal field and the wide variety of professions within. (Location: Theatre)
Internship Timeline
March: Positions finalized with employers
March: Practice Interviews conducted, resumes prepared by students
March 26: Position descriptions available for viewing
April 1: Application System Open to Students
April 12: Application System Closes
April 15-April 23: Companies Select Candidates for Interviews
April 26-30: Interviews Take Place
May 10: All Offers are Made
Program Resources
- Summer Internships | InterAlliance and Career ConneXions
- Masterclass
- Digital Education Resources
- Education Events
- Featured Articles
- Job Shadow Program
- Mentoring/Coaching
- Informational Interviews
- Video Resources & Event Recaps
- Social-Media Archive
Summer Internships | InterAlliance and Career ConneXions
InterAlliance (IA) Hosted Internships
If you have taken a Computer Science class you may already be familiar with the organization. The exciting news is they have 60+ summer internships with a wide variety of tech involved so if you're not interested in programming, but like data analysis you should look at these. Here is a link to the InterAlliance website: www.interalliance.org.
There are a few key requirements for their roles:
- The full process begins with you registering yourself on their website – once you are registered you will receive detailed instructions on deadlines for application.
- Juniors & Seniors only
- Approved Resume and LinkedIn profile required (submitted online via InterAlliance website)
- 10-week, Full-Time roles (a week vacation is no problem to manage, but more than that will be tough)
- All Paid $10+/hr
- GitHub training required (several workshops offered - see their website for details)
- Generally ~200 students apply so it is a competitive process.
- Student Information Flyer
Career ConneXions (CCX) Hosted Internships
Internship Timeline:
- Throughout February and March: Practice Interviews
- March 26: Internship opportunities sent out to all students via email.
- April 1: Internship Application opens. The link will be communicated via email and located on the Career ConneXions Canvas Page and Website.
- April 12: Internship Application closes at 11:59 P.M. Make sure to you’re your application, video interview, practice interview, and resume completed at this time.
- April 15-April 23: Companies select final candidates for interviews.
- April 26-30: Employers host interviews with candidates.
- May 10: All offers are made.
There are a few key requirements for our roles:
- Open to all grade levels (some may require age 18, but will be noted as such)
- Resume and Practice Interview required. The resume will be submitted with the online application which opens on April 1. The practice interview can be scheduled HERE https://forms.gle/FcnsRRzTyx9Nr9No7
- LinkedIn profile strongly encouraged, but not required
- Wide variety of hours required based on role - many part-time
- Pay will vary based on role - some roles are unpaid
- Employers will select candidates to interview based on your application and resume, both of which must be submitted before the application deadline on April 12. These interviews will take place from April 26-April 30.
- Video Introduction and Written Application Prompts
- Generally ~100 students apply so it is also a competitive process
Please reach out to stxcareerconnections@stxavier.org with any questions about the process.
Masterclass
The Masterclass program was created as a supplement to our in-person education series and is available on our YouTube channel so it can be watched on-demand at any time. Each Masterclass is taught by an industry professional with real-world experience, and the classes are designed to teach practical skills that can be applied to any career path. Some examples of topics include resume writing, leadership skills, and interview tips, though there are many other topics that will be added. Be sure to check out the Masterclass videos below, and more videos will be added frequently, so subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss an update.
Program Overview and Welcome to Masterclass
Career ConneXions Explained
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Interviewing Skills
Leadership Skills
Resume Writing
Personal Credibility
Discerning a Career Path
Getting Involved
Don't see a topic that you want, want to leave us feedback to better the program, or want to opt-in for an update when a new Masterclass comes out? Click on the form below for all those needs!
Digital Education Resources
As you continue to explore your future path, utilize the following resources for your own development and growth. The Career ConneXions team has put together the following list, and would love to add to it. If you have resources to share, please send them to stxcareerconnections@stxavier.org and we will include them in this list!
Recommended Reading:
Top 20 Books You Need To Read To Crush 2020
Best Business Books for Entrepreneurs, Creatives and Professionals to Read (And Grow)
101 BEST Business Books of All Time (2020)
Heroic Leadership
Pope Francis
College Preparation Resources:
Ethan Sawyer - The College Essay Guy
Electronic Tools/Training:
Creating Interactive Excel Dashboards
G.I.M.P. (free alternative to Adobe Photoshop)
G.I.M.P. Tutorials
Youth Leadership Presources:
Ted-Ed: What adults can learn from kids
Youth Leadership Goals
Global Youth Boom is Here
Stock Market:
Basics of the Stock Market
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE2NsJGpEq4
Education Events
A monthly educational topic related to job readiness (e.g. Resume Writing, Interviewing, Networking, Etiquette).
Interview Tips
- College Interview Preparation
- Interview Assessment Form
- Interviews Do's and Don'ts
- Possible Mock Interview Questions
Resume Writing
Discovering Yourself
Featured Articles
St. Xavier Magazine - October 2020
Cincinnati Business Courier - May 2020
St. Xavier Magazine - February 2020
St. Xavier Magazine - October 2019
St. Xavier Magazine - July 2019
St. Xavier Magazine - February 2019
St. Xavier Magazine - October 2018
St. Xavier Magazine - July 2018
St. Xavier Magazine - February 2018
Job Shadow Program
A short-term experience where a student will follow or “shadow” an employee as he/she performs normal work activities. Typically, job shadowing is a half-day or a full-day field experience or tour of a business or organization. In light of COVID, we will also be offering virtual job shadows this year.
Our October dates (19th and 30th) have just opened for signups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050944abac22a3f94-20202021
Mentoring/Coaching
Having a mentor/coach is a one-to-one relationship that provides "hands-on" learning and mentoring/coaching based on a student’s degree, career, or life interest. Examples can include choosing a college major, time management, etc. The mentor/coach relationship generally lasts for multiple months and can last as long as the student holds the connection, and frequency of the meetings can be determined by the coach/student partners.
Interesting in having a mentor/coach of your own? Click the link to sign up for one. https://forms.gle/cGz7Y83w6uYxUK397
Informational Interviews
The informational interview program seeks to help students explore and engage in potential career paths that suit the student’s interests, or personality. Students take a survey to help them find potential career paths, and then they are matched with someone who works in that career field. The student has the opportunity to meet with that person, either face-to-face or over the phone, and ask questions and hear stories about the career field. The informational interview program is low commitment for both the adult volunteer and the student, because the meeting is only a one-time event. Ultimately, if the student-adult meeting is successful, the hope is that it will develop into a mentoring/coaching opportunity or an internship, that allows the student to further explore the career path they are interested in.
Informational Interview Guidelines
Interesting in having an Informational Interview of your own? Click the link to sign up for one. https://forms.gle/cGz7Y83w6uYxUK397
Video Resources & Event Recaps
Nine Year Plan and Becoming a Strategic Partner was on January 13. If you were unable to attend you can watch recording here: https://youtu.be/WDHQfZrD3e0
Personal Credibility & Self-Assessment, Personal Inventory and Goal-Setting was on January 20. If you were unable to attend you can watch recording here: https://youtu.be/E6IDMddHvgE
First Impressions and Impact Interviewing was on January 27. If you were unable to attend you can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/kGvvSiK5gTQ
Interpersonal Engagement and Oral Communication Skills was February 3. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8RLOw2Pug&feature=youtu.be
- 2/10 - Marketplace Eminence - The Networking Factor
- 2/17 - Managing Yourself Around Time Demands & Time Constraints
- 2/24 - Leading Others via ‘Connection' Strategies
- This series is available to students, parents and alumni, so feel free to tell others to sign up! All those interested in attending can register at https://forms.gle/jvwMqxT9yJojQngf8.
Thayne Maynard - Leadership During Challenging Times was Jan 20. If you were unable to attend you can watch recording here: https://vimeo.com/504550645
Andy Blankenbuehler, Feb 10 Tony award-winning choreographer and director for several Broadway hits including Hamilton speaks on careers in the Arts and his personal journey.
2/22: Explore Careers in the Arts: Branding, Design, and Art curation.
2/24: Explore Careers in the Arts: Music, Entertainment, and Sound Engineering.
2/25: Explore Careers in the Arts: Theatre performance, directing, and stage technology.
Clinical trial services company discusses their work on COVID vaccine - Tim Schroeder ’75: 11/20
Professional Credibility - Mr. Bill Bagley :05/20
Questions about COVID - Dr. John Croker '03: 05/20
Working from Home Tips - Michael Mills '01: 05/20
Career ConneXions Week February 2020:
- Choose Your Own Adventure - Jim Schwaller '97
- Seniors Student Panel
Careers with Mission Driving Organizations- Bill Placke '61: 12/19
Interview Tips - Lauren Cobble and Jen Buse: 11/19
Interviewing Tips - Christine Dauenhauer and Chitra Shanmugham: 12/18
Careers in the FBI - Mark Rogers: 10/19
Career ConneXions Week- February 2019:
Discovering and Developing Yourself- Dave Eby 04/19
Career ConneXions Week - March 2018:
- Senior Student Panel
- Young Alumni Panel
- Careers in Finance - Bryan Jones'87
Lessons in Leasdership - Eric Breissinger '85: 01/18
Lessons from a Surgeon - Dan Johnson '73: 01/18
Social-Media Archive
Attention Bombers! Check out the speaker event on Friday! #prideinbecomingsmart pic.twitter.com/tyVqtdR0Wh
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) November 17, 2020
Career ConneXions is hosting Founder of CTI, Tim Schroeder '75 who is on the front line in the Quest for a COVID vaccine. Wednesday, Nov 11 at Flex in the Berning Gym. #longblueline pic.twitter.com/iyo0ycnslT
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) November 8, 2020
Attention Bombers! There are limited spots available for Job Shadow placements on Friday 10/30 through Career ConneXions. Don't let his opportunity pass you by! https://t.co/qhR2ZlqUqD #prideinbecomingsmart pic.twitter.com/zPiL7iewwU
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 28, 2020
Bombers, check out the new Career ConneXions Masterclasses just released on Canvas or the Career ConneXions Webpage. https://t.co/qhR2ZlqUqD pic.twitter.com/mFshVTlT4j
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 19, 2020
Career ConneXions hosted Rocky Boiman '98 on Wednesday who talked about the ups and downs in his NFL career. He encouraged students to take advantage of the gift of a St X education and be prepared for the opportunities that will come. https://t.co/qhR2ZlqUqD #theexaminedlife pic.twitter.com/0a4xwd58Ew
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 8, 2020
Career ConneXions is Always On! On the weeks when there is not a scheduled speaker, there is always availability to chat with a professional, do a practice interview, request a resume review and view past presentations! Access it all at https://t.co/VRWKSaFkkR pic.twitter.com/kKnfdRaby6
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 2, 2020
Career ConneXions has moved to Canvas! Your son has been invited to join the course. Here, he will find resources and announcements about the program. If he hasn't registered with the program, he can do so through the link in the Canvas Course, or at https://t.co/x3SkU5N11k.
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) September 21, 2020
Students, GET EXCITED for Career ConneXion’s first speaker of the year TOMORROW. Joel Podolny, current Dean of Apple University will be joining us virtually for a presentation. The presentation will be in the Theater, @ 11:15, and will include time for you to eat a free lunch.
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) September 15, 2020
Education Series
Bombers, Career ConneXions is very excited to launch our newest program- Masterclass! This curated collection of videos provides tons of important content that is important regardless of career path. Check out more here: https://t.co/qhR2ZlqUqD #menforothers pic.twitter.com/Kg8KAgaBkR
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) July 11, 2020
Digital Speaker
Attention students! Career ConneXions is hosting one more informative session on career advice and interview tips by Bill Bagley tomorrow 5/27 at 2pm. Parents are welcome to attend
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) May 27, 2020
Digital Speaker
EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY for St. X students! Today at 2:15 p.m. the Career ConneXions Program will be hosting Dr. John Corker in a virtual event. Dr. Corker is the head of the Montgomery County COVID-19 Task Force. Check the Daily Digital email for the Zoom link. #menforothers pic.twitter.com/doXN5RWwt1
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) May 11, 2020
Digital Speaker
Attention Bombers and Parents! Career ConneXions has invited Michael Mills '01 to speak in a Zoom meeting about working from home and financial literacy. Students should check their emails for the link invitation. 4/15 @ 2:15. #longblueline #menforothers #prideinbecomingsmart pic.twitter.com/sct2GDd1ka
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) April 14, 2020
Summer Internship Program
Career ConneXions, St. Xavier's experiential learning program is open to all St. X students and offers speakers, job shadowing, internships and more. We are currently looking for professionals to host summer interns. Check out the website to learn more! https://t.co/VKTc41MNTo pic.twitter.com/shRymKdYGL
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) March 6, 2020
Career ConneXions Week
Attention Bombers! Career ConneXions has speakers and panels during Flex Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week February 24-28. Attend the days that interest you! #menforothers pic.twitter.com/OP3mQqobhs
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) February 19, 2020
Healthcare Roundtable
TODAY AT FLEX! Attention students! Today is the Career ConneXions Healthcare Round Table in the Reynolds Room. Learn more about careers in small discussions with health care professionals. FREE LUNCH. pic.twitter.com/yZwEVM2iA2
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) January 22, 2020
Speaker Series
Thank you to Bill Placke '61 for his inspiring session about Being a Man for Others in the business world. Keep an eye on the website for a video replay of this and other Career ConneXions presentations. https://t.co/IocnTyEPEr #menforothers pic.twitter.com/9crh7rQ56T
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) December 10, 2019
Speaker Series
Attention Students! Join Career ConneXions for a guest speaker on pursuing careers with mission driven companies. Mr. William Placke will be here on Tues 12/10 @ Flex in Reynolds to tell his story of how he used his career in finance to serve the underserved. Free lunch! pic.twitter.com/CHrh7ZACSe
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) December 9, 2019
Speaker Series
Attention Students: Are you interested in a career in the arts, architecture, urban planning, theater, and more? Come to Reynolds at Flex tomorrow for Career ConneXions. Lunch will be provided. pic.twitter.com/c3AO53DOLk
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) November 18, 2019
Every St. Xavier student can participate in the Career ConneXions experiential learning program. The program partners with alumni and industry leaders to provide job shadowing, internships, mentoring, informational interviews and more. Learn more at Open House Sunday 11/17 1-4 pm pic.twitter.com/RTE5CHaacw
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) November 17, 2019
Mentoring / Coaching Expo
Attention Bombers! Learn more about the mentoring/coaching program where you can get a mentor who can help in your school/work/college/career journey! The meeting is Friday at Flex in Reynolds and includes lunch! https://t.co/qhR2ZlqUqD pic.twitter.com/Q2bAwPS93n
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 9, 2019
Business Roundtable
Attention Students! Thinking about pursuing a career in Business? Hear about the different options available in the Business field from local professionals. Click the link to see the speakers. Friday 10/4 at Flex - Business Roundtable in Reynolds Room. https://t.co/vYK9EPrdkc pic.twitter.com/0yXQMFx0id
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 3, 2019
Education Series: Begin Journey to Self Discovery
Attention Students: Free FOOD! Career ConneXions begins the Education Series in Reynolds Wednesday at Flex. All grade levels are eligible to attend this session on how to figure out your career path! pic.twitter.com/zILWyJUn8Y
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) September 3, 2019
Education Series: Finding a Career Path
On Monday, many students took advantage of the Career Connexions speaker on narrowing down a career path. Speakers, mentoring, job shadowing, internships and more are all possible! https://t.co/Gc2cY9TmnW pic.twitter.com/ZITT6Si0AV
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) December 12, 2018
Engineering Round Table
Career Connexions hosted a very successful Engineering Round Table with about 95 students exploring all the options with industry leaders! Get more information about Career Connexions here: https://t.co/WLXF3ymHLv pic.twitter.com/74DzciFFKs
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) November 30, 2018
Career ConneXions hosted Rich Hidy '12 who spoke to students about 'Charting Your Course' - exploring different career paths, setting a course to achieve goals & the opportunities that a St. X education provides. Learn more about Career ConneXions: https://t.co/FpxNZ2QULb pic.twitter.com/eNnrOS5OOG
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) October 11, 2018
St. Xavier Career ConneXions 1/24
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) January 24, 2018
Jim Bender '91 Marketing Director, @Wendys Restaurants challenged students: Chart Your Course.Think Bigger.Confidence Rules Everything.Serve Others. He said, "Network. Shake hands. Keep your phone in your pocket. Success leads to opportunities!" pic.twitter.com/RuI8hoANva
St. Xavier Career ConneXions welcomed Eric Breissinger '85, President, Procter & Gamble, Canada to share leadership lessons. He said, "As 'Men for Others', People make the difference. Use what you learn at St. X. Be clear what you want to accomplish. Define it. Take the lead!" pic.twitter.com/xtK4mdoC5j
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) February 2, 2018
Andy Blankemeyer ‘05, CEO of Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, presented to our students yesterday on the “Importance of Networking” as part of our Career Connections Program. #longblueline pic.twitter.com/PC2ui15Sv2
— Cincinnati StXavier (@stxinfo) December 6, 2017