Pathways, Inc.

Teacher in the Workplace

Description: A Teacher in the Workplace experience with Pathways, Inc. offers educators and administrators the opportunity to step inside the human services and behavioral health field to gain firsthand insight into career pathways available to students. Participants can expect guided observations, discussions with leadership and frontline staff, and an overview of the organization’s mission, programs, and workforce needs. The experience is designed to build awareness of the skills, credentials, and employability traits that are most valuable in this industry. Educators will learn how classroom content connects to real-world practice and explore how Pathways supports professional development, collaboration, and client-centered care. Time is dedicated to discussing career ladders, entry-level opportunities, and postsecondary pathways, helping educators better advise students about future options. Administrators will also gain insight into how partnerships between schools and employers can strengthen career readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and long-term talent pipelines for the human services and behavioral health sector.

Internship

Description: Internships at Pathways, Inc. offer students an in-depth, real-world learning experience aligned with their academic or career interests. Interns may assist with program delivery, client support, data collection, outreach, or administrative projects while working closely with experienced professionals. These experiences are designed to build industry-specific skills, strengthen resumes, and provide a deeper understanding of organizational culture, ethical practices, and career opportunities in human services and behavioral health.

Career Mentoring

Description: Through career mentoring with Pathways, Inc., students are paired with professionals who offer guidance, insight, and encouragement as they explore career options. Mentors share their own career journeys, discuss education and training pathways, and provide advice on skill development, goal setting, and career readiness. This relationship helps students better understand the industry, ask thoughtful questions, and gain a clearer picture of potential career paths within Pathways and the broader human services field.

Work Experience

Description: Work experience opportunities with Pathways, Inc. provide students with hands-on exposure to the workplace in a more structured and skill-building role. Students may support staff in program operations, client services, or office functions while learning about day-to-day responsibilities within the organization. Under staff supervision, students gain practical experience, build workplace confidence, and explore how their interests align with careers in human services, behavioral health, and support services.

Volunteer Opportunity

Description: Students participating in a volunteer experience with Pathways, Inc. can expect meaningful, service-oriented opportunities that support individuals, families, and community programs. Volunteers may assist with activities, administrative support, community outreach, or special events, depending on interests and program needs. This experience allows students to give back while gaining exposure to the human services and behavioral health field, learning about professional expectations, and developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

Job Shadow

Description: During a job shadow at Pathways, Inc., students will observe professionals as they go about their daily work in the human services and behavioral health field. Students can expect to gain firsthand exposure to different roles, work environments, and interactions with clients while learning how teams collaborate to support individuals and families. The experience may include guided observations, explanations of job responsibilities, and time for questions about education, skills, and career pathways. Job shadows are designed to give students a realistic look at the profession, help them connect classroom learning to real-world practice, and better understand what a career at Pathways, Inc. could look like.

Informational Interview

Description: In an informational interview with Pathways, Inc., students can expect a relaxed, conversational experience focused on learning rather than evaluation. They will have the opportunity to ask questions about careers in human services and behavioral health, the mission and values of Pathways, and what it’s like to work in the organization. Students will hear firsthand about different roles, typical career paths, required education or training, and day-to-day responsibilities. The conversation also offers insight into workplace culture, opportunities for growth, and advice for students who are exploring whether this field or organization might be a good fit for their interests and goals.

Mock Interview

Description: Students can expect a realistic interview experience designed to help them practice and build confidence in a supportive environment. They will be asked common interview questions related to their interests, skills, and career goals, and will have the opportunity to practice speaking about their strengths and experiences. Students will also receive constructive feedback on their responses, body language, communication skills, and professionalism. The goal of a mock interview is to help students understand what employers look for, identify areas for improvement, and leave feeling better prepared for future job or internship interviews.

Guest Speaker

Description: Students can expect to learn about careers in the human services and behavioral health field, with a focus on the work Pathways, Inc. does to support individuals and families in our communities. As Talent Acquisition Manager, I will share an overview of our organization’s mission, the types of roles available across Pathways, and the skills and education that can lead to success in this industry. Students will also hear about real-world career pathways, opportunities for growth and advancement, and what a typical day might look like in different roles. Time will be set aside for questions, along with practical advice for students who are interested in exploring careers, internships, or entry-level opportunities in human services.