OPENING EYES TO CAREERS UNKNOWN
LEARNING FROM ANOTHER’S JOURNEY
Volunteers shared their educational and career journeys with our students in various workshop sessions. If you would like to be one of those volunteers please reach out to Kelli Goodman!
Middle School Career Series
A three-part series aimed at giving our middle school students a start at career exploration.
Part 1: Pursuing Your Purpose
Tuesday, April 13th | 6:30pm-7:30pm | 6th-8th graders
Students engaged in a variety of activities that helped them identify their “sparks” and what they are passionate about. The workshop ended with a discussion about how students’ passions can be incorporated into their personal and professional lives. Volunteers worked with students in small groups to start to name and identify their passions and interest areas, and how they can continue to cultivate those into high school, college, and beyond
Part 2: Exploring Possibilities
Tuesday, April 20th | 6:30pm-7:30pm | 6th-8th graders
Students were introduced to the idea of career exploration, and the possibilities that exist in various industries and professions. Role of volunteers: Volunteers worked with students on a skills assessment and career mapping activity that allows students to think proactively about mapping out their future personal and professional goals and the steps they will need to take to reach those goals.
Part 3: Passion Panel
Tuesday, April 27th | 5:30pm-6:30pm | 6th-8th graders
Students had the chance to meet and network with professionals from a variety of careers and industries to hear about their passions, and how their passions are connected to their careers. Volunteers talked with students about their self-discovery journey; how they came to realize their strengths and passion, and how they incorporate those into their career and life.
High School Career Series
In various workshops, we explored several topics with our high school students based on grades, including personal branding, networking, LinkedIn, and more.
Personal Branding: Networking
Monday, April 12 | 4:30 – 5:30pm | 9th graders
Volunteers talked with students about the importance of networking, using examples from their own experiences. Volunteers then worked in small groups with students to practice networking techniques. This workshop helped students understand the importance of networking and provided them concrete tips for how to follow up/continue a relationship with someone.
A Day in the Life: College + Careers
Monday, April 19 | 5:30 – 6:30pm | 10 & 11th graders
Students had the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences of how choosing a college major and minor can support their career goals. Volunteers talked with students about their college experiences, how they decided on a major, what support and resources they utilized along the way, and how their major connects (or not) with their current career.
Thursday, April 29 | 5:30 – 6:30pm | 12th Graders
Provided students with an understanding of LinkedIn as a platform and how it can support students in the job search and networking process; give students an opportunity to create/improve on their own LinkedIn page. Volunteers worked one on one with students on improving/creating their LinkedIn page.
Career Industry Roundtables + Networking
Monday, May 3 | 4:30 – 5:30 pm | 9th graders
Provided students with the opportunity to learn about various career fields and industries and to connect with a diverse group of professionals to hear about their first-hand experiences in their industry. Volunteers talked with students about their career experience, how they got to where they are, a “day in the life” of their current role, and shared insights and advice learned along the way.