High school is the last step a person takes prior to entering the real world, leading to concern and anxiety regarding the future among students. To combat these concerns, the Green Hope Career Services department offers many resources.

The head of the Career Services department, Mr. Matthew Katsuleris (known affectionately by students as Mr. Kats) is a great help for students. His services and resources vary depending on the grade level of the student, but he focuses on getting the student ready and prepared for their future. 

Career Services offers a plethora of off-campus opportunities such as mock interviews and field trips. Many Green Hope students enroll in the Wake Tech Career College Promise (CCP) program. This program allows students to take Wake Tech classes in replacement of or along with Green Hope classes. Mr. Katsuleris described the benefits of the program, stating, “You can go ahead and begin earning college credit, and if you’re going to go (to college) why not start now? Students can participate in the CCP program as a junior or senior, and dual enrollment allows you to modify your schedule as you please.”

In terms of his role with the CCP program, Mr. Katsuleris says, “For me it’s not necessarily what your GPA looks like, but to figure out, okay, you want to be a doctor? Let me see how I can help you fit into a nursing class at Wake Tech. That’s what you want to do with your career? Let me get you that experience and knowledge base that could help you get an internship.” Wake Tech courses count towards students’ high school GPAs and are completely free. 

Services offered to freshmen by the Career Services department at Green Hope include the Career Exploration activity and the Interest Inventory, an activity that helps students find a career that interests them and fits their personality. Sophomores get help with writing a resume. This helps students see their accomplishments laid out in front of them, allowing them to identify potential areas for growth. As Mr. Katsuleris puts it, “…it gets them to see, ‘Hey, here’s what I need to be doing while I’m in high school; I still have time to grow.’” 

For underclassmen Mr. Katsuleris advises, “I think getting involved early is really important. Find your club, find your niche, find your sport, find what you want to do and get involved. School is always going to be school, but the main way the high school experience differs from previous ones is the opportunities available. You remember high school through your experiences.”

For juniors, the Career Services department offers help with employment opportunities. This includes interview tips and skills, help finding internships, and setting up LinkedIn. As for tips on their big year ahead, he stated, “It is a major academic year. The big push. You take your hardest classes this year, and it is essential to do well. You also have to make sure you are involved in some extracurricular activities, too. Most people make it their most academically rigorous year in order to prepare for college.”

He also highlighted the importance of focusing on grades, positive experiences, involvement, and personal well-being.

Additionally, the program allows seniors to receive help with money and personal finance skills. Financial simulations in the senior Civics class aid in teaching important finance skills. Senior year is very time-sensitive, with a vast assortments of deadlines ranging from financial aid and essays to college application due dates. Katsuleris said, “You have to prioritize. Make a to-do list, discuss with your peers and family what’s most important, and get it done. Maintain your grades, and stay on top of deadlines.”

He also stressed the importance of college visits, and their help in deciding what school students want to go to. For specifics and more in-depth recommendations, he advises students to contact their academic counselor.

Mr. Katsuleris shared final thoughts for students, saying, “Prioritize, time manage, get good grades and find something you enjoy doing. Don’t do something just to fill a resume, do it because you want to.”

Mr. Katsuleris can be contacted via website, email, or in room 102 right next to the Attendance Office. Students can also visit the department’s Instagram or Twitter page.