A new school year means new opportunities for seniors to meet with, and learn from, real-world professionals.
On September 21, seven students from the Class of 2022 interested in pursuing a career in real estate, met with Anna Storey, a licensed real estate agent for HUNT Real Estate and member of the Westmoreland Class of 1998. During the 40-minute session, the students were able to ask Storey questions about her profession, how she started and why she recommends the field. Storey specifically talked about the courses required to become a licensed real estate agent and the importance of good communication, time management and negotiating skills. She also stressed the importance of networking – the greater your social circle, the greater number of potential clients.
“Anna is full of spirt and energy, and went into great detail about the abilities and skills needed to be successful in the real estate business,” Mrs. Weissenberger, Business teacher and College & Career Enrichment Program coordinator, said. “It was a great opportunity for our students.”
The visit was made possible through the Jr./Sr. High School’s College & Career Enrichment Program. The program gives every senior several, unique opportunities to shadow a professional in his or her work environment. This allows students to learn, first hand, how the important workplace skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in the real world. Above all, students can confirm their desire to pursue a particular career or become motivated to explore other avenues.
Throughout the school year, and in addition to visits to job sites and shadowing experiences, seniors meet with professionals like Storey, or professionals in careers they are interested in pursuing. The meetings enable students to learn more about their interests in an intimate, interactive setting.
“Seniors meet with a variety of professionals,” Mrs. Weissenberger said. “Over the next few weeks, seniors will also be meeting with a lawyer, software engineer, nurse, mechanic, lineman, physician assistant and electrician.”
“The more avenues students can explore, the better,” Mrs. Weissenberger added.
In order to participate in the College & Career Enrichment Program, each senior must be in good academic standing and create a portfolio, which includes a cover letter, resume and references. Additionally, each senior is required to complete a research paper about his or her career choice, write a reflective essay at the conclusion of every visit to a specific job site or visit with a professional and send a thank you card to their host.