About TEC's Field Study Certificate Program
As part of career exploration, TEC is offering a new program to support students in gaining experience in a professional environment. The Field Study Certificate Program is for students looking for real-life observation of potential future careers. It is for students who think they may know what they would like to study further, or have a wide range of interests that they are looking to narrow down. Students will shadow professionals in their field of interest for 20 hours, observing and reflecting on actual time in the field.
Certificate programs are UNPAID. Students may receive credit for their participation from their school district. Credit is determined by the school the student attends. The student should reach out to their counselor to ask about potential credit.
Requirement: Students must complete at least one year of high school to qualify for the program.
Registration for summer field study opens the prior January and remains open through the end of April. If you are interested in an academic year field study, please contact us by emailing Lauren Carreiro at lcarreiro@tec-coop.org.
Benefits of a Field Study
A Field Study helps you figure out what you want to do and gives you a head start on achieving it.
TEC's Field Study Timeline
Step 1
Apply Online
Registration is open from January through April for summer placements.
Students will be asked to submit a resume, statement of interest, and photo with their application. All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Step 2
Meet Your Program Coordinator
You will be matched with a program coordinator.
You will receive an email within one week of registering. Your coordinator will get to know you over Google Meet. We will discuss your specific interests and career potential when looking for the best placement for your field study.
Step 3
Fine Tune Your Resume
Work together with your Coordinator.
Together, we will perfect your resume to best represent you and your interests. We will discuss your field of interest and how to gain more experience in the field.
Step 4
Placement
Your Coordinator will present you with a placement match.
When you receive placement details, you will work with your Coordinator to make a schedule. You will also be given a mentor or supervisor in the field who you will observe.
Step 5
Start Your Field Study
Let the real fun begin!
After placement has been made, you will begin your observation hours. Students must complete 20 hours (or more) of observation and three journal assignments. The observation schedule may depend on the field of study.
Step 6
Program Completed
Your mentor will complete an assessment form for your field performance.
Once you have fulfilled all the requirements, a Certification of Completion will be mailed to your home and School Counseling Department. You will have a new work experience to add to your resume and professional contacts to use as a reference or recommendation.
How to Apply?
Interested in mentorship?
Our dedicated mentors are extremely vital and key to our Field Study Program.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of our awesome students, we encourage you to fill out a sponsor interest form. This will give us a better sense of your organization and what you would be looking for in an intern.
If you are interested in learning more, about being a sponsor, please view this sheet to see what we look for in our mentors.
All interested mentors and organizations may reach out to Lauren Carreiro at lcarreiro@tec-coop.org for more information.
Contact Internships
and Career Exploration
Lauren Carreiro
Internships and Career Exploration Coordinator
The Education Cooperative
141 Mansion Drive, Suite 200, East Walpole, MA 02032