RMCEP Supports Student Futures With In-School Career Advising Services

The Rural Minnesota Central Employment Program (RMCEP) is committed to meeting local workforce needs while helping students get the right education and training to pursue their desired careers. One way it accomplishes this is by sending career advisors to local schools. This allows students to receive personal learning plans that guide students toward success.  

“At RMCEP, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to explore their career interests and build a path toward a successful future,” says Chrys Kirschbaum, Regional Coordinator and Career Advising Coordinator, RMCEP. “By partnering with local schools, we can ensure students have the support and resources they need to make informed decisions about life after high school.”

Every student is on a unique education and career path. Learn how RMCEP helps students explore their interests and make plans to pursue them.  

RMCEP Provides Actionable Career Guidance 

RMCEP has sent Youth Services Coordinators to 14 schools across the region. They work closely with school counselors, staff, and students to provide personalized career guidance. Here are a few of the services offered by RMCEP:

• Career interest assessments and exploration: Not every student knows what they want to do after graduation. RMCEP helps them learn about their options. 
• One-on-one advising sessions: Students can speak openly about their goals, hopes, and concerns with counselors. 
• Resume and interview preparation: RMCEP’s coordinators help students present their best selves when talking to future employers.
• Connections to internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning: Students can get field experience that confirms their future career aspirations. 
• Post-secondary planning: Whether they are headed for college, apprenticeships, or employment, RMCEP can help students find training and certification options.

RMCEP also discusses labor market information with students, parents, and staff. Many teens want to stay in Minnesota and live close to home. RMCEP shows that students can pursue their career goals while staying in the area. 

RMCEP Works Alongside Existing School Programs 

RMCEP’s Youth Services Coordinators collaborate with educators and counselors to enhance and support each school’s existing efforts. The programming is not a replacement for what the school already has, but rather an enhancement. RMCEP coordinators provide valuable workforce expertise and local job market knowledge to help students make connections between their interests and real-world opportunities.

“Our Youth Services Coordinators are doing incredible work in the schools,” says Kirschbaum. “They empower students to discover their strengths, plan for the future, and explore meaningful career opportunities in our region. It’s not just about landing a job; it’s about building a life they’re excited about.”

Career planning and counseling are essential for helping students learn about their options. One survey of 500 students nationwide found that 30% didn’t have a career or education plan for after high school. The same study found that 57% of students had five or fewer conversations with teachers or coordinators about their post-high school plans. RMCEP wants to have more conversations to make students feel confident about their post-graduation lives. 

Career Advising Benefits Students and Employers

Career advising has several benefits for students and community members. When students receive counseling and feel excited for the future, they can move confidently toward careers they love.

“Career advising is more than just choosing a job. It’s about helping young people understand their strengths, values, and interests, and giving them the tools to explore meaningful pathways,” says Kirschbaum. “When students feel supported and informed, they’re more likely to stay engaged in school and pursue opportunities that align with their goals.”

Students stepping into successful careers only benefits the local community. These graduates can fill in-demand roles or bring better services to northwest Minnesota. They can follow entrepreneurial ambitions and eventually create jobs in the area. Today’s students are tomorrow's employees, managers, and community leaders. 

Reach Out to RMCEP to Bring Career Advising to Your School  

RMCEP is committed to supporting students as they explore their options, gain career awareness, and take meaningful steps toward their future. Whether a student is attending college after graduation or immediately entering the workforce, RMCEP wants them to feel confident in their decisions and skills.

Learn more about our Career Advising services or contact Christine Kirschbaum at 218-847-0732 or christinek@rmcep.com to see how this program can help you.