Since the program started last school year, almost 50 Reading High School students have had the opportunity to take part in a new career connections program as part of their personal finance classes
“Students research various careers based on ASVAB and career interest survey results, and then build out a salary-based budget to determine whether the career they desire can pay for the life they envision living,” said Reading High Schol teacher Brian Page. “This program is designed to be a stronger bridge to help our students enter their adult lives by making a more informed career choice.”
Student career opportunities have ranged from interviews to job shadows, and even job offers following the initial connection.
“I've been most impressed with the support of adults who want to give back, most of which are Reading graduates or residents,” Page said.
Pictured is Reading student Kalyn Reichling meeting with Jordan Smith, RHS class of 2006, to discuss her intended major and career path in zoology.
“We had a great discussion about the career field. He told me about his previous jobs at a rescue and rehabilitation non-profit and the Cincinnati Zoo, along with each jobs' advantages and disadvantages. Overall, he gave me valuable advice and insight for college and reaffirmed my decision to pursue zoology as my career," Kalyn shared.
Below are Reading High School students' reflections on their career connections this past school year.
Donald Furniss
Career interest: financial actuary or CPA.
Career connection: Mr. Vaughan; EY Global Account Leader in the Consumer Sector.
Most valuable lesson learned: “I learned from the meeting is how much working in finance is not just numbers. You have to be good with people. It requires good soft skills along with numbers and math. It is often a misconception that you just sit at a desk and run numbers all day.
Bailey Koebbe
Career interest: own a cupcake shop here in Reading.
Career Connection: I met with the owner of Wyoming Pasteries Kim Reschke. She had shown me around the bakery first and then had me do some pretty simple tasks like dip and ice tea cookies.
Most valuable lesson learned: I took away from this was how much time and effort it will take for me to be able to run my own business.
Ryan Rack
Career interest: My future interest is being a graphic designer, and I want to be the best one I can be.
Career Connection: I met with Ms. Sheppard who is a graphic designer. I interviewed her and asked questions about graphic design and video making.
For more information and to help a Reading high school student learn more about your career and career path, visit the website below.
Website: https://readinghscareerresources.weebly.com/