Career Exploration & Development

Our Career Exploration, Learning & Readiness (CLEAR) program exposes students to diverse career paths and professional environments, develop essential workplace skills, and take concrete steps toward long-term career success. CLEAR empowers students and gives them confidence in their career journey.

Through partnerships with leading corporations and organizations (e.g., Cisco, Amgen, the City of East Palo Alto), students visit companies across various sectors, broadening their understanding of professional fields and helping them envision themselves in corporate spaces.  

Some College Success students apply to participate in our Professional Mentoring Program (PMP).  This program pairs career-focused college students with mentors who offer guidance, networking opportunities, and connections to internships that support long-term career growth.  

We encourage community members to volunteer their expertise as mentors, resume reviewers, and mock interviewers—offering students valuable insights and personalized guidance as they prepare for their careers. 

FCE also supports students in securing internships and substantive work experience in their area of interest.  Students are provided information on a multitude of internship opportunities.  We know how important internships are in helping students develop their professional skills and discover their passion, while allowing them to contribute to the mission and work of an organization or company. 

How we prepare our students 

• Resume writing workshops 
• Mock interview workshops 
• Internship Bootcamp 
• Professional mentoring 
• Networking skills development 
• Career panels 

How you can help: 

Host a career panel or shadow day for FCE students! 

FCE is actively seeking to partner with Bay Area corporations to host career exploration and networking opportunities for our FCE students! We encourage companies in tech, finance/banking, law, medicine, performing/visual arts, media, & more to partner with us! 

• Invite students to visit your company to meet and possibly shadow employees  
• Organize a career panel or professional development workshop for students  
• Provide students with exposure to different career opportunities within your industry  

Students’ fields of study: 

• STEM  – Aerospace Engineering, Data Science and Mechanical Engineering  
• Health – Biology, Neuroscience and Nursing  
• Social Sciences – Economics, Criminal Justice and Political Science  
• Humanities – Communications, English and Journalism  
• Arts – Theatre, Cinema and Graphic Design  
• Business – Business Administration, Finance and Marketing 
• And more! 

“FCE has played a pivotal role in providing me the tools and skills necessary to establish a professional network for which I am sincerely grateful for.”  –Alex, FCE college student