Career Day offers first-hand look at the working world

Ninth grade students from Discovery Middle School in Alexandria recently got a first-hand look at the working world.

Career Day gave students the opportunity to choose a career of interest and spend a day shadowing a professional in that field.

As 8th graders, the students took an "Explore" test that inventoried their interest areas and suggested potential career options that aligned with those interests.

In 9th grade, they studied job readiness, interviewing skills, and the importance of education and getting involved. They were also introduced to the Minnesota Career Information Systems website that allowed them to research different career areas.

In April the students went into the community in search of potential Career Day mentors. Then, on May 9, they reported to work to learn more about their chosen area.

The job sites varied greatly, from hospitals to restaurants, assisted living facilities to manufacturers, black smith shops to flight simulators, retail stores to taxidermists.

"The whole experience gave me a great idea of what a job in the 'real world' might be like someday!" noted a 9th grader.

"When I first arrived at my site, I was so excited and felt so welcomed in by everyone," said another student.

According to 9th grade dean Sarah Reif, the career mentors seemed to enjoy the experience almost as much as the students.

"I believe this is a great program for the students, as well as our staff," noted one career professional. " It allows us to talk about the complex nature of our work, and we are forced to explain it in a mentoring manner."

"A big thank you again to all members of the community who took any part in helping with the overwhelming success of our Job Shadow Day," Reif said.

Tags: career day, life, students, school