Athena-Weston and Milton-Freewater School Districts partnered with Transition Network Facilitator Lon Thornburg to invite selected students to a Professional Development Summit this July.
Students were invited to come in and learn about several different aspects of career development. When I first arrived, students were learning about how to give a proper handshake in a professional setting. After hearing a few tips from the presenter, students practiced their handshakes.
After this, Jane Walder gave a presentation about “soft skills” and how developing them could help make someone a more competitive job candidate.
The next activity was fun to watch. Have you ever heard of an elevator pitch? The term was initially coined to describe a quick pitch for an idea, product, or a service that a person would like to market, advertise or create.
Students were tasked with creating an elevator pitch for themselves. It can be a challenge to get folks to talk about themselves, but one student was brave enough to share with the group.
Additional guest speakers came to present to the group as well. There were several volunteers that came to discuss their path and how it got them to where they are today. It was inspirational to see that some of the speakers dealt with obstacles, but overcame them to get to where they are now. 
One activity was a big hit: Dressing to Impress for an Interview.
At the front of the room, there was a rack that had clothing garments and outfits hung on it. Students were to come forward, and select a random piece of paper that had the name of a profession or an industry. Depending on the random slip they chose, they would have to identify the attire they thought would match the job or industry the best.
The day concluded with informational interviews between the students and volunteers. It was an amazing day.
