Many high school students think that career planning happens once they have entered college.   On the contrary, career planning is a process that begins during high school, a task that Hilmar High holds as a standard.

Hilmar High helps junior and senior students get a jump start on finding their career path through the ROP Business and Marketing Course.  Through this special course, students are taught how to produce a portfolio with a resume, cover letter and recommendation letter.  Students also learn how to prepare for a career by receiving hands on experience in a local business each week.

ROP Business and Marketing teacher Dianna de Matos teaches her students the importance of developing career plan goals every day in the classroom and says they are accountable for their own progress.

“Our students learn how to attain their desired career choice by researching and writing down the path to climb their career ladder towards success,” stated de Matos.  “Each student lays out their individual steps to move towards career successes and how they can successfully achieve those steps.  Our students are working at local community classrooms sites, but most importantly, they learn how to work well with others; which is one of the most essential pieces for success in all jobs.”

Dave Gonsalves, Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center manager, has seen his share of employees go through the ROP Business and Marketing course and believes HHS is doing an outstanding job with its students.

“Hilmar High School’s ROP Business and Marketing course measures up,” said Gonsalves.  “Many of our employees come to us from ROP.  They are now supervisors or managers in a variety of our different departments.”