In addition to providing students the opportunity to connect with potential employers, colleges, universities and military recruiters, the November 16 Career Fair at Bridges Accelerated Learning Center offered students a chance to learn job-related skills, such as how to interview and how to budget after they are employed.
In one room for example, students participated in mock interviews with guest community members as well as GCISD administrators.
Next door, students learned about appropriate attire for an interview.
Around the corner, they participated in a session about how their social media footprint could make a good or bad impression to an employer.
“One of the first things they have to do is check their digital footprint and recognize the importance of keeping it clean,” said presenter Erin Johnson, administrative assistant at Bridges who has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a certification in social media strategies.
During the session, she provided students with tips on how to build positive social media footprints, such as developing a LinkedIn profile, keeping a positive social media image and performing a Google search of one’s name.
Down the hall, teacher Gale Rivers was having students participate in a lesson about managing their living expenses after they land a job. He started by giving them a stack of $1,580 in fake money and then having them pay for living expenses such as rent, transportation, medical insurance and other living expenses. Along the way, he stressed the importance of saving money.
“It’s hard, but saving is very important,” he emphasized. To end the activity, he left them with an uplifting message. “I hope to one day read your names in Forbes or Fortune Magazine.”
Principal Dr. Jessica Jones noted that the day is really tailored to students’ needs, and that they are asked what sessions they would like to have on this day.
“It’s really an opportunity for students to prepare for life after high school,” she added. “It’s the full picture: you finished high school, you earned your diploma and what do you do to prepare and present yourself. Once you begin to make money, how do you responsibly finance everything that you earn? We try to support them all the way around so when they leave us, they are prepared for their future.”
Senior Linnea Wheeler found the day very helpful.
“They showed us ways to get us thinking about different opportunities and different career paths,” she said. “I know we are not getting jobs today, but I think this will all be a really good advantage after high school.”