Stoneham Chamber and Stoneham High School Collaborate in Successful Career Awareness Forum
On November 14, the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the Stoneham High School in conducting the first Career Awareness Forum for Stoneham’s high school junior class.
Focused from the beginning on the students, juniors were polled last May as to their first and second career interests. Over the summer the Chamber began seeking Chamber members in occupations that matched student preferences. Thirty-five occupations were grouped into six meeting spaces at the high school. In a panel-like format, students heard brief career presentations from professionals and were then able to ask follow-on questions.
“The panelists provided students with a valuable opportunity to learn about the education required to enter a variety of fields”, noted Stoneham High School Principal Donna Cargill. “To hear about a career path from someone currently working in a specific area helps students to envision themselves as adults and what will be expected of them in their intended professions. The variety of careers represented by the panelists helped all students to be interested in the session. They really enjoyed the opportunity.”
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After the forum, the Chamber and the high school surveyed the participating students and the panelists. Both groups provided highly positive feedback on their experiences and noted valuable suggestions for improvements to the program. Jennifer Welter, the Chamber’s director, adds that “The Chamber is particularly grateful to the panelists for volunteering their time and for their willingness to connect with students about their career interests.”
