On Nov. 3rd, Lindbergh High School (LHS) hosted their 4th Career Day for students. Dozens of people from varying professions came to speak for students, telling their stories and offering advice.
Career Day is an event where many professionals come together to share advice and experiences with the students. It helps students by opening the door for new options and choices and helps them consider the future. It shows what different educational requirements, workforce positions, and training is needed for various careers.
Career Day was formed by Ms. Saechao and Ms. Crum, counselor and family consumer science teacher respectively. It started with LHS alumni but expanded to any volunteers. While some speakers were LHS alumni, many came from all over Washington state.
The goal of Career Day was to expose students to more options and start thinking about their future. The event gives the opportunity for students to hear wrongs and rights from experienced individuals. Speakers came from all parts of the workforce, from blue-collar workers to office employees, to doctors and law enforcement, it had it all.
Two of the speakers were Korey Strozier and Nicolle Candland. Strozier is the President of the Tacoma Public Schools Board Directors. Candland is a massage therapist. They had different upbringings, Candland being very academically involved and Strozier juggled many jobs with school. The two are happy with their jobs and show how it doesn’t matter your roots. Strozier said, “Respect your last name.”
Soon after the event, a google form was created to get feedback from students. Results are overall positive, 70% say the day was beneficial. 72% of students said the panel helped them learn about college and career choices.
412 out of 518 students said ‘yes’ to similar events, almost 80%. This year has been a big step for Career Day, as a new ‘mock interview’ has been set up. This conducts simulated interviews for students to mimic real job interviews, to further prepare them.
Career Day has been a unique opportunity for students and speakers. It celebrates its 4th year, Saechao and Crum plan for many more! As Saechao said, “We will definitely continue this next year.”
