At Silicon Valley International School (INTL), the commitment to helping students explore and pursue their passions is a cornerstone of the INTL High School experience. A prime example of this is the Career Preparation Program, which offers the unique opportunity to connect with professionals in various fields, encourages students to explore potential career paths, helps them gain valuable networking skills, and to develop an understanding of the professional world.
The program is led by career counseling consultant and INTL parent Amanda Irani, who has been running similar initiatives for nearly a decade. INTL’s program is designed to give students a hands-on introduction to their interests and help them refine their career aspirations. Through the program, students learn how to network and engage with professionals in their field of interest, while also getting a clearer sense of what career paths might excite them.
The program begins with a foundation of self-reflection and discovery. Starting in 9th Grade, students work closely with Amanda to identify their personal passions and interests through a series of personality tests, vision board exercises, and other exploratory activities. This early stage of the program is key in helping students build an understanding of themselves and what career paths may suit them.
The 9th Grade curriculum is designed to help students articulate their goals, discover their strengths, and begin thinking about how these might translate into a professional setting. One of the key activities is the creation of a digital vision board, which allows students to visually map out their aspirations and career goals. By engaging in this type of reflective exercise, students gain clarity about their passions and feel more confident moving forward in the mentorship process.
As Amanda notes, "the 9th graders are super responsive, and their vision boards are a fun and visual representation of their personalities. This is a starting point to then work on their elevator pitch, which helps them grow in self-awareness and confidence."
Once students move into 10th Grade, the program shifts focus toward connecting them with professionals in fields aligned with their interests. The goal is to help them not only explore potential careers, but also learn key skills like resume writing, interview techniques, and how to effectively network. Students participate in mock interviews, develop LinkedIn profiles, and refine their resumes—all of which prepares them to make a strong first impression in a professional setting.
One of the standout elements of the program is the mentorship itself. Students are paired with professionals who offer insights into their chosen field, providing an invaluable opportunity for real-world learning. These mentors may be parents, alumni, or other community members, and the level of involvement can vary. Some mentors may offer a 30-minute informational interview, while others might allow students to shadow them for a few days or even a week.
One exciting development this year was the opportunity for a field trip to Google for the 10th Grade class, something Amanda was thrilled to offer. Field trips like these provide students with a tangible sense of what it’s like to work in a professional environment, and INTL is looking forward to offering more of these opportunities in the future.
For INTL students, the Career Preparation Program represents an incredible opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future careers. By giving them the tools to explore their interests, develop professional skills, and build a network of contacts, the program sets students up for success in whatever field they choose to pursue.
As Amanda reflects, "this program is unique because most schools don’t have anything like it in their curriculum. It gives students the confidence and connections they need to really explore their passions and see how they can turn those into careers."
At INTL, the Career Preparation Program illustrates the school’s commitment to helping students identify and pursue their passions. Through hands-on experiences and the guidance of professional mentors, students leave INTL not only academically prepared for the future but with the real-world skills and connections they need to succeed in any career they choose.
