Discover your career path
As you begin your professional journey, having a strong support system is crucial. Find out how we can help you along the way.
AAWDC builds success for young adults through the NextSuccess program, which connects individuals ages 18-24 with an extensive range of services designed to guide you toward career success.
The path to your future
career starts here
Career exploration
As you prepare for your professional future, career exploration is essential to finding the right employment fit. At AAWDC, your Career Coach provides personalized, one-on-one support to guide you through the process. Together, you’ll create a success plan that identifies challenges, sets clear goals, and maps out your career journey. Our career exploration services focus on the following goals:- Identify Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Assess your strengths and understand how they align with various career paths through career assessments.
- Discover Career Interests: Explore different fields and identify what resonates with you to inform your career choices.
- Explore In-Demand Fields: Investigate high-growth and high-demand industries, such as those in our H.I.T.C.H. model*, to broaden your opportunities. You’ll also connect with paid internships, job shadowing, and other hands-on experiences to enhance your exploration.
Career preparation
Our career readiness services are designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for navigating today’s job market and landing the career you desire. We offer support in key areas such as:
- Crafting a professional resume and cover letter
- Preparing for job interviews
- Developing vital soft skills like communication
- Building your professional network
We also offer supportive services to help overcome potential barriers to employment. Our services include GED preparation, transportation and childcare assistance, driver’s education support, and more.
Internships & work experience
Work experience is crucial when beginning your career journey. AAWDC helps young adults explore and select opportunities that match their needs and goals. These opportunities may include:
- Paid Internships: Interns have the opportunity to explore a career field while gaining a firsthand understanding of the work environment.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): After a candidate has been hired for a full-time position, they participate in dedicated, hands-on training to help build their skillset and pursue career advancement. Apprenticeships are a common OJT opportunity.
Career training
AAWDC connects you with training and resources to develop the skills you need to launch your career. We provide guidance and referrals to opportunities that can help you build job-specific skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and complete your education if you choose to do so.
Training and certification opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and General Nursing Assistant (GNA) certifications
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- CompTIA (for I.T. and cybersecurity)
- ServSafe (for food services)
- Pre-apprenticeship training in various industries
We offer in-person, virtual, and self-paced training options tailored to your learning style and preferences. Availability of these services may depend on eligibility and funding.
Connect to employment
AAWDC doesn’t just help you prepare for a career—we connect you to real job opportunities. Through our robust network of local employers, we match your skills with the right job openings.
Alongside your Career Coach, your Job Developer works closely with you to implement your success plan, guiding you through your job search and connecting you with real employer networks.
Job Developers assist participants in areas such as:
- Skill and career assessments
- Job search strategies
- Job application procedures
- Accessing On-the-Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and other opportunities to build skills and experience while employed
AAWDC is committed to helping you build a future where your career goals align with real-world opportunities and long-term growth.
Connect to services
Ready to take your next step to career success? Fill out the interest form below, contact our Young Adult Services team at YouthServices@aawdc.org, or visit us in person at the Anne Arundel County Career Center.
Anne Arundel County Career Center
Our full-service Career Center is a one-stop shop for all your career needs. Connect with our team, access technology, explore resources, and more!
613 Global Way, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Email: careercenter@aawdc.org
Phone: 410-424-3240
To be eligible for NextSuccess, you must:
- Be 18 – 24 years old
- Be an Anne Arundel County resident
- Have authorization to work in the U.S.
- Have proof of Social Security
- Have a High School Diploma/GED or be actively pursuing one
- Not be currently enrolled in high school or college
Priority of service and funding eligibility may vary.
FutureSuccess
FutureSuccess is AAWDC’s annual paid summer internship program designed for young adults ages 16 – 24 who are eager to gain real-world professional experience. Interns are matched with local employers based on their career aspirations and best fit. They then spend several weeks working for the businesses and gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and references.
To be eligible for FutureSuccess, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 16 – 24
- Not be a full-time college student
- Be available for the entire duration of the program
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and have required documentation
- Have reliable transportation to and from the workplace
