Each year considerable thought is given to finding an effective method or range of methods that will serve to guide forms three and four students towards making decisions that will have some impact on their career choice. Aware that there are many career and college fairs that give information on subject and school choices for particular careers, NorthGate College always designs career days that are different, that speak to the strengths, passions and interests of the students. We serve to expose them to careers that they may never before have considered, or even knew existed, as well as the more traditional careers.
The 2013 Career Day focused on giving students access to the hidden nine- tenths of identified careers. Professionals were invited from a wide range of fields to speak to the students, in small groups, about the reality of their professions; what goes on behind the scenes. They spoke into the hard work and dedication, the expectations and long hours, the sometimes not so handsome remunerations. They communicated their passion and love for the field.
They regaled them with anecdotes and introduced quizzes and puzzles for them to figure out. They asked and answered questions. The students met and touched the real people behind the professions and were inspired and, in some cases, given a reality check. Each group of professionals had to do this for three different groups of students. Not once did their enthusiasm waver.
The people invited by title were: Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Sous Chef, Image Consultant, Entrepreneur, Event Planner, ICT Specialists, Protocol Officer and Journalist. We are grateful for the willing contribution of NorthGate College’s collaborative partners who continue to offer themselves to the growth and development of the students.
To say the students were impacted is an understatement.
Students who were wavering about what they wanted to do, left more convinced than ever. There was a buzz in the atmosphere. Long after the sessions ended, students lingered to ask questions of the professionals. The students were overheard in the days following still talking about the career day.
The professionals themselves also had a lot to say about NorthGate students. They represented well. They kept order, were continually engaged, asked intelligent questions, were enthusiastic and left a very good impression on the guests. The guests were very pleased to have been invited. They had a great time, enjoying themselves and the experience thoroughly, all offering their services whenever next we need them.
At the end of the day, all were left with a sense of hope: the students with hope for their future; the professionals, with hope in the next generation.
