A new class has been added to the elective course options at Hiawatha High School as students have the opportunity to take career exploration.

According to the course handbook, throughout the semester long class students will develop a portfolio of personal and career information as they participate in a self-study to focus on interests, strengths, goals and ambitions.

Science teacher Jim Jensen teaches the new class. One of Jensen’s goals is to bring in numerous adult guest speakers from the community to share information about various careers.

“A lot of times students don’t know what they want to do,” Jensen said. “It’s helpful hearing from other people’s experience in their job and how they came to find that that’s what they wanted to do. The information we learn is more useful when presented personally.”

Twelve guest speakers have already presented, with 10 more to come, including Tammy Epple, a sales/marketing manager at AgJunction, who believes it is important for students to explore jobs and careers.

“As a student finishes their education and move into the workforce, their ideas and talents can and will help shape the future of success,” she said.

Another representative, Stacy Simmer, a Rainbow Tel representative, shares the same opinion.

“I hope the students got something out of it,” she said. “If anything, I hope they understand how important education is, especially when looking for a job in the future,” she said.

In addition to hearing from these guests, the students explore the training and schooling needed for a job. Salary range is also researched with the other pros and cons of occupations.

Although the class is offered to all grades, this semester is made up of 17 students, mostly freshmen and sophomores. However, senior Shania Carrol has gained a lot from this class.

“Before enrolling in the class I had no idea what I wanted to do,” she said. “The guest speakers really helped me decide what I want to major in, which is something involving animal care,” she said.

Emma Williams, a freshman, has also been inspired by the class but has not yet decided on a major.

“This class is very helpful because it gives you a larger outlook on careers that may catch your interest,” she said. “I haven’t decided on a major yet, but, hopefully, by the end of the semester I will have a good idea.”

Jensen invites anyone who wishes to be a guest speaker to contact him at the high school at 742-3312 or via email at jjensen@usd415.org.