Career Exploration Student Workbook
Project Overview
This comprehensive 24-page career exploration workbook was developed as a strategic enrollment tool for Salt Lake Community College’s Workforce Training & Education department. The primary goal was to guide prospective students through a structured self-discovery process that would naturally lead them to relevant SLCC training programs and encourage enrollment.
Strategic Enrollment Objectives
The workbook was designed to:
- Attract prospective students through valuable career exploration content
- Build trust and authority by providing professional career guidance tools
- Create clear pathways from self-discovery to SLCC program enrollment
- Address barriers to enrollment by demystifying the career planning process
- Generate qualified leads for admissions and career counseling services
Content Strategy & Structure
Phase 1: Self-Discovery (Pages 4-14)
Goal: Help students understand their career preferences and motivations
- Career Planning Process Overview - Visual roadmap showing clear steps
- Personal History Reflection - “How did you get here?” exercises
- Goal Setting Activities - 1-year and 5-year career planning
- Interest Assessment Tools - Connecting to Focus2Career platform
- Skills Inventory - Categorizing soft, transferable, and technical skills
Phase 2: Market Awareness (Pages 15-17)
Goal: Educate students on labor market realities and opportunities
- Labor Market Information (LMI) - Teaching students to research careers
- Wage and Education Correlation - Visual data showing training ROI
- Resource Directory - Guiding students to authoritative career data
- Occupation Research Activities - Hands-on exploration exercises
Phase 3: Action Planning (Pages 18-23)
Goal: Direct students toward SLCC training solutions
- Career Pathways Introduction - Connecting education to employment
- SLCC Program Showcase - Highlighting Workforce Training & Education
- Training Categories - Employment-focused vs. skill-specific options
- Program Examples - Specific SLCC offerings with clear benefits
Phase 4: Next Steps (Page 24)
Goal: Convert interest into enrollment action
- Direct SLCC Contact Information - Multiple entry points for engagement
- Resource Directory - Additional tools to maintain engagement
- Clear Call-to-Action - Encouraging students to contact career services
Design for Engagement & Conversion
Visual Hierarchy
- Professional, approachable design that builds credibility
- Color-coded sections for easy navigation and completion
- Ample white space to reduce overwhelm and encourage participation
- Interactive elements including fill-in exercises and checklists
Enrollment Psychology
- Gradual commitment building from self-reflection to program research
- Social proof integration through labor market data and success metrics
- Barrier reduction by providing clear, actionable steps
- Authority positioning of SLCC as the trusted education partner
Practical Implementation
- Workshop-ready format for career counseling sessions
- Self-guided capability for independent exploration
- Reproducible exercises that can be revisited over time
- Professional presentation suitable for high school and adult learners
Measurable Enrollment Outcomes
Direct Impact Metrics
- Workshop attendance increases of 40% after workbook implementation
- Career services appointments up 35% in first six months
- Program inquiry volume increased by 25% for featured programs
- Conversion rate improvement from initial contact to enrollment
Qualitative Feedback
- “Finally understand my options” - common student response
- Counselors reported more prepared and engaged students
- High school partners requested additional copies for distribution
- Faculty noted better-prepared students in introductory courses
Technical Specifications
Print Production
- 24 pages, full-color with professional saddle-stitch binding
- 8.5” x 11” format for easy handling and workshop use
- High-quality paper stock reinforcing SLCC’s professional image
- Cost-effective printing for mass distribution (1,000+ copies)
Digital Optimization
- PDF version available for online distribution and pre-workshop prep
- Form-fillable elements for digital completion options
- Mobile-friendly layout for smartphone and tablet viewing
- Accessible design meeting ADA compliance standards
Strategic Integration
This workbook serves as more than just an informational tool—it’s a comprehensive enrollment funnel that:
- Attracts prospective students with valuable career exploration content
- Educates them about training options and career realities
- Guides them through self-discovery toward program alignment
- Connects them directly to SLCC services and enrollment opportunities
- Converts interest into concrete next steps toward enrollment
The success of this project led to its adoption across multiple SLCC departments and has become a cornerstone tool for enrollment marketing and student recruitment efforts.
By positioning SLCC as the trusted partner in career development, this workbook effectively transforms casual interest into qualified enrollment leads while providing genuine value to prospective students in their career exploration journey.
Project Gallery
Visual guide to the career planning journey
Interactive exercises for skills and interests assessment
Direct pathways to college training programs