Getting Started with Career Connect - Volunteers

Overview

Volunteers, learn more about Career Connect with this quick 3-minute demo. 

Step 1: Set up your profile

Welcome to Career Connect! To set up your profile, select the invite link in the email from careerconnect@discoveryed.com. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, don't worry! Just follow these steps: 

1. Go to app.thisiscareerconnect.com
2. Click Employee Login
3. Enter your email and password
4. Select Continue

Step 2: Complete your profile

Follow these steps to set up your profile: 

1. Create your Career Connect profile: Create your profile by filling out the profile information and professional details. Don't forget to add a photo!
2. Add your professional expertise: Provide a short bio about yourself that is available on your public profile. You can also select topics and subject areas you feel comfortable discussing during a classroom visit. Need bio inspiration? You can view volunteer profiles within your organization from your Dashboard. Just click on your organization name and scroll to the "Our Volunteers" section, then click "View Profile" on any profile. 
3. Confirm your profile and save it: That’s it! Now your profile is ready to be viewed by educators.

Step 3: Explore your Dashboard

Once you save your profile, your dashboard opens. Here, view recommended requests, edit your weekly availability, browse organization content, and more.

Step 4: Apply to a Request

Now you can apply to open requests. View details of Recommended For You requests or navigate to your Connect Directory from the sidebar navigation in the top left to apply directly to view your Open Requests and My Connects.

There are different types of requests. 

• Share my Career is a general format that enables volunteers to talk about their interests, skills, and career path. Volunteers can provide insight to students about how they’ve translated their interests as young students into their careers today.
• Custom Request is a highly customizable format that lets you work with the educator to determine topics of interest. Educators may feel that an industry professional can provide real-world applications to a concept they are teaching in their classroom. In this case, you can message one another and work together on a format that works for their classroom.

In the description, educators include suggested topics, agenda, or specific requests. Additionally, you can locate classroom rules or etiquette the educator may want you to review prior to the visit.

Review the request details and apply to any that appeal to you. Once you apply, educators review applicants, and you are notified if there’s a match.

Step 5: Message

Once you match to a request, the request becomes a Connect. You can begin messaging with the Connector to ask and answer any questions prior to the scheduled visit. You can locate Messages from the sidebar navigation.

You will also receive emial notifcations of any updates made in the platform. 

Step 6: Connect

It's time for your virtual Career Connect visit! On your Dashboard, navigate to the Join Call button that appears in the Upcoming Connect section 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. You can also use the meeting link provided by the educator in the scheduled request. 

When you’re ready, select Join Call and begin your virtual visit. Be sure to Allow Camera and Microphone access in your browser to ensure a seamless visit. Classroom or educator an't hear you? Make sure you're not muted.

You can message educators during the call and view request details. 

Step 7: Share your feedback

Career Connect is the first of its kind and you’re testing out an exciting new experience. We’d love to hear your feedback on how your virtual visit went, if there were any technical issues, or if you have suggestions on how to improve the platform.

Your feedback is immensely valuable to us and we’re always focused on improving the volunteer experience.