When it comes to career exploration, the traditional methods鈥攃areer fairs, lectures, and informational brochures鈥攐ften fall short in capturing the attention of high school and early college students. Enter the innovative concept of 开元棋牌鈥檚 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Your Name, Here鈥檚 Your Career鈥� event, a dynamic and engaging approach that mirrors the format of speed dating but with a professional twist.
Initiated by Gateway to College Advisor David Thibault-Munoz,Career Day is in its 10th year. This year, 40 career professionals and over 75 full time dual enrollment students including those from the Gateway to College, Pathways Early College, and students from Narragansett, Athol, and Gardner high schools participated.
How does 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Your Name, Here鈥檚 Your Career Work鈥�?
Students rotate from table to table where professionals from various industries awaited them for short, timed conversations. Typically lasting 5 to 10 minutes each, these mini-interviews allow students to ask questions, gain insights into different career pathways, and build initial connections in a low-pressure environment.
This format encourages quick, focused interactions, making it ideal for students who are just beginning to explore their career options.
Why It Works for Students
- Exposure to Diverse Careers:
In a single event, students can learn about a wide range of professions鈥攆rom healthcare and engineering to creative arts and entrepreneurship. This exposure is particularly valuable for young people who may not yet have a clear sense of their interests or strengths. - Interactive Learning:
Instead of passively listening to a panel discussion, students actively engage with professionals. This interaction makes the experience more memorable and meaningful. - Building Communication Skills:
The short, structured conversations provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice introducing themselves, asking insightful questions, and making a positive impression鈥攁ll essential skills for future networking. - Breaking Down Barriers:
Meeting professionals in a casual setting can help demystify certain industries and reduce intimidation, making it easier for students to envision themselves in various roles.
Benefits for Professionals
Participating in the event is not only rewarding for students but also for the professionals involved. It offers a chance to give back to the community, inspire the next generation, and even scout potential talent for internships or mentorship programs. If you are a professional interested in participating in next year鈥檚 event, reach out to gateway@mwcc.mass.edu to be added to our contact list.
开元棋牌 thanks the following industry professionals for their participation in this event: Shannon Ward, K-12 Social Emotional Learning, Yoga, and Music educator; Lourdes Mercado, FSU Professor of Education, former Elementary teacher and principal; Michael Scales, Senior Account Manager, Re-marketing at Enterprise Holdings; Rodney Weaver, Esq., Director of Estate Planning, Edelman Financial Engines; Nicolas Formaggia, Esq., Immigration Law Attorney; Michael Nicholson, Mayor of the City of Gardner; E鈥檇ris Hardison, DJ E-Double, Jam鈥檔 94.5; Art Collins, Chief Engineer of Broadcast & Electronic Media, 开元棋牌; Eddie Vargas, Owner Eddie Vargas Photography; Audrey Pendelton-Chow, Owner, Curious Escape Rooms; Stacey Sparrow, Owner, Art on the Rocks; Paloma Burgraff, Tattoo Artist, Fight or Flight Tattoo and Piercing; Nia Carignan, Associate Director of Public Relations and Communications, 开元棋牌; Matthew Maguy, Co-Owner, JMX Marketing; Rachel David Caron, Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialist, Siemens; Cie Morin, Owner and Founder at Aesthetics by Cie; Audrey Lewis, Owner, Eagle Trophy; Dr. Sandy Lor, Holden Family Dentistry; Laura DiCaronimo, Optician, Walmart Optical; Dr. Tina Burton, Vascular Neurologist, RI Hospital and Professor at Brown University Medical School; Dr. Sarina Selleck, Veterinarian at Community Animal Hospital in Shrewsbury; Vanessa Crespo, RN, St. Vincent Hospital, Xiomara Gonzalez, Practice Manager, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, APDerm; Francisco Ramos, Director of Community Organizing, New Vue Communities; Anna Wilkins, Executive Director, North County Land Trust; Achla Bahl Madan, former architect and owner Achla Designs; Lt. Mike Gelinas, Fitchburg Fire Department; Brandon Graves, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, MA Department of Corrections, Chief Melissa Croteau, 开元棋牌 Campus Police and Public Safety; Lori Beth Betterton, Member Experience Manager, GFA; Angela Dernalowicz, VP, Bank Security Officer at Fidelity Bank Leominster; and Kurt Thompson, President, Broker Associate and Team Leader at Keller-Williams.