Local Professionals Share Job and Education Experience with AHC Teens
AHC's Fall Career Fair was loud, fast-paced and really interactive - the perfect recipe for a successful learning experience. More than 30 teens "speed networked" with professionals from a wide variety of fields - journalism, health and fitness, finance, accounting, government, education, engineering, FBI, fire department, and immigration law - and learned about their education experience and career path.
"We spoke to high school junior, senior and college students in the program about our own career paths, what skills are needed for certain careers and the how-tos of succeeding at a job. We received thoughtful questions and it was fun to hear the students’ plans for their future," said Betsy Sharon of Chain Bridge Bank.
Students, who ranged from 10th grade to college freshmen, particularly appreciated learning about internships and how important that experience can be. Teens also found it helpful to hear that career paths often evolve over time and it's ok not to know exactly what they want to do right now.
Bernie Piper, who works with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, echoed the idea that career exploration is a journey. "What was most important to me was to convey that evolving career goals is a lifelong experience. This journey requires discovering your talents and passions, but at the same time, embracing a sober understanding of job markets."
Huge shout out to our speakers for inspiring our students! Thank you to Austin Achenbach (Harkins Builders), Tim Bellaire (retired FBI), Natalie Brandmueller (EYP Architecture and Engineering), Orlando James (Orlando James Fitness LLC), Megan Mack (Vera Institute of Justice), Monique O'Grady (Arlington County School Board), Greg Pearson (Harkins Builders), Bernie Piper (Federal Housing Finance Agency), Catherine Sadaat (Aronson LLC), Betsy Sharon (Chain Bridge Bank), Terron Sims (Warrior Centric Healthcare Foundation), Tannia Talento (Arlington County School Board), Justin Tirelli (Arlington County Fire Department), and Debbie Truong (Washington Post).
