Vincent Farm Elementary School students learn about career options

When school counselor Kara Roberts recently asked Vincent Farm Elementary School fifth-grade students what they want to be when they grow up, the answers were pretty typical for children not yet in their teens. “A lot of them said they want to be teachers, veterinarians, and professional athletes,” she said.

But that was before the school’s first ever career day on April 17. Following the event, set aside to explore career options and opportunities, students’ answers are much more varied and specific. For example, some of the students who want to be professional athletes are now also considering becoming occupational therapists who work with injured athletes or becoming college-level athletic coaches.

An architect involved in designing Vincent Farm Elementary School shares a site plan and photos of the building under construction.

“As a longtime educator, having seen ‘career days’ year after year, I had a good idea of what they are,” said Principal Anne Gold. “But my school counselor had an entirely different view. What she organized was much more than a day; she began working with the fifth graders during three to four classroom lessons, talking about careers and having them take interest inventories. Based on the results, she created individual schedules for each student for Career Day, ensuring that they would hear from presenters aligned with their interests.”

An occupational therapist talks with students about helping patient’s overcome leg injuries.

A survey taken by the school’s 80 fifth-grade students took prior to Career Day helped them identify their career goals by focusing on their interests and skills. The survey encompassed career clusters such as: environmental, agricultural, arts, communications, business, management, industrial, engineering, health services, and human resources.

In response to the students’ areas of interest, Roberts looked throughout the community for potential Career Day presenters. “Our parents really came through, and they reached out to others in the community,” Roberts said, adding, “I recruited some of my family members as did others on the staff.”

A firefighter demonstrates how he quickly puts on his uniform.

In the end, 28 speakers took the time to come to the school and talk with students. The impressive list included an archeologist, the architect who designed the school’s building, Verizon fiber optics technicians, an occupational therapist, a tax attorney, a marketing manager for Chick-Fil-A, a police officer, a fire fighter, a physician’s assistant, a veterinarian, the athletic director from Stevenson University, and Geek Squad technicians from Best Buy, as well as representatives from the National Guard, the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger’s office.

“On Career Day morning, we all gathered and had refreshments,” said Gold. “Then each student received a personal schedule directing them to four breakout sessions based on their interests.”

At each 25-minute session, students were given facts about the educational requirements, personal skills, and character traits needed to become successful in that particular occupational field. Students were encouraged to ask questions pertaining to job outlook, salary ranges, duty expectations, and time requirements. The presenters also suggested additional career options to pursue that were directly and indirectly related to the careers being discussed.

A Department of Natural Resources representative introduces a trained dog to students.

According to Gold, “The event was such a success in part because the sessions were very hands-on. The presenters really knew how to capture the attention of fifth graders.” For example, speakers from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Aviation Division arrived and departed via helicopter, which they landed on a school parking lot. Students were also excited to see a bucket truck from Verizon, tools used by the Geek Squad, and a specially trained dog from the Department of Natural Resources.

Students and guest speaker discuss human anatomy.

“Students walked away from the day with new awareness of many behind-the-scenes careers and with tools to use throughout their school experience to assist them in making good career choices,” said Roberts. “As students increased their awareness, they increased their possibilities and chances for success.”

Drug Enforcement speakers arrived at the school via helicopter.

What the children said…

Here are excerpts from thank you letters Vincent Farm students wrote to Career Day speakers and organizers:

“You filled my mind with wonderful thoughts about the Reserves and being a research specialist.”
Sydney

“I wanted to say thank you for building our school. We LOVE it!!...I liked seeing all of your pictures of our school before and after it was built.”
Alissa (in a letter to the school’s architect)

“I thought that the Geek Squad fixes the computers. I didn’t know that the Geek Squad fixes televisions and game systems. The tools you use look very useful.”
Karen

“Thanks a lot for setting up Career Day. Also I want to say you did an awesome job matching us all up with people. I know that I love the jobs you matched me up with. They’re really awesome.”

Kayla (in a letter to school counselor Kara Roberts)

Story by Daylene Booth, para-educator, Vincent Farm Elementary and Diana L. Spencer, communications officer, BCPS Office of Communications. Photos courtesy of Vincent Farm Elementary School.

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