Over 80 professionals from a wide variety of career fields informed and inspired our 7th and 8th grade students at Link’s 5th annual Career Day. The daylong event, organized and managed by Dr. Michele Scott, a great friend of Link, featured keynote speeches, mentoring groups and two hour long panel sessions. Panels focused on career fields of law and law enforcement, finance and accounting, the arts, education, education support/mentoring, sports/health care/wellness, STEM, media, marketing, construction and architecture, entrepreneurship, corporate, community development, non-profit organizations and more. Students had the opportunity to select two panels to attend, so, between the mentoring groups and the panels, met with quite a number of terrific role models, learning about their career and  their jobs. The entire day was a very interactive event, greatly engaging students with our guests. Based on feedback from students and staff, Career Day 2015 was very successful!
Link believes that it is so important for students at the middle school age to begin to think about their futures, and to see the limitless opportunities that are ahead of them. Meeting so many talented and accomplished professionals from a variety of career fields was an eye-opening experience for them. Receiving advice and encouragement from amazing role models told students that people – other than families and teachers – care about them. Hearing our guests’ wonderful stories about their career paths and jobs gave them inspiration and let students know that they too can dream and hope for a great future.
Link appreciates the time and energy that Dr. Scott and our guests put into making for a wonderful Career Day 2015!
Here are some reflections that students wrote at the end of day on Career Day 2015:
“A panelist, Mr. Jeff Dunn said, ‘Don’t be game players, be game changers,’ and that triggered something in my mind that let me know I will not stop until I have my mark on the world, some way, somehow.” ~ Shydae
“My favorite part of the day was…the talk we had in the gym and listening to some people’s stories. They encouraged me to want to do better now while I have the chance.” ~ Aalityh
“The morning assembly really pumped me up and gave me motivation. Every word stayed in my brain and made me think about my future career.” ~ Bernice
“I learned that you should learn from your mistakes and build off that…that it doesn’t matter where you were brought up, you can still be whoever you want.” ~ Niyah
“If you are passionate about something, do it, and to stay focused. Stay focused because life will pass you by if not.” ~ Skylar
Here is a list of our Career Day 2015 Keynote Speakers:
Chike Uzoka, CEO Valentine, Global, LLC
Kiecey Castle, Director of Student Recruitment, NJIT
Junius Williams, J.D., Director, Abbot Leadership Institute, Rutgers University
Dawn Fitch, CEO, Pooka Pure & Simple
Wendy McKenzie, CEO, In the Wink of an Eye – Acting coach/Casting Director
