Career Tours have been one of the most popular experiences that the Next Generation Scholars students look forward to each year. Exclusively for 10th grade students, Career Tours showcase several businesses in each district to introduce students to job and career options in their backyard. During these visits, students typically tour the facilities, learn about the various jobs available and the level of education needed for each position.
On November 17, 10th grade students in Kent County visited Kent County Economic & Tourism Development, Dixon, Shore Medical Center, as well as the Career Center at Washington College. Students were exposed to careers such as human resources, planning and zoning, engineering, radiology, and nursing. While at Washington College, students learn about the value of having a job or internship while in college, and how a college campus can help them plan for their future.
Students from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School toured businesses in Dorchester County on November 29, including the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Dorchester Emergency Center, Rescue Fire Company and Horn Point Laboratory. Covering industries from hotel management, event planning, culinary arts, emergency services, research and oyster hatchery, students learned about twelve different career paths, showcasing that there can be a variety of jobs in one place.
“I learned about different career opportunities and what having a job really means. I also learned about how to fill out and create resumes,” said Aurie V., a Next Generation Scholar student from Kent County High School, “It definitely made me want to pursue going to college and being successful.”
In addition to the importance of learning steps to prepare for their career and applying it to their current course schedule in high school, career exploration also supports students in finding the right career for them versus just finding a career. One 10th grader from Cambridge-South Dorchester High noted: “The most important thing I learned today is that it is important to do what you love. It’s just better that way.”
These takeaways are key for students, especially as Career Tours are often one of the first experiences NGS 10th graders are invited to attend in the program.
“Students are introduced to a variety of options through Career Tours that they may not realize are in their own communities, and we use that momentum to continue to build upon through the year,” says Nona Carroll, Chief Strategy Officer for MBRT.
Career Tours in Allegany and Wicomico counties are scheduled for December 13th, with Caroline County’s planned for January 13th, 2023. These districts also plan to highlight several different career options within each of their local business visits.
This experience would not be possible without the support of our business and community partners who have welcomed, mentored and hosted students in their places of work. We are grateful to our community members and volunteers for making these connections for students. If your business is interested in hosting students, please email morgan@mbrt.org.
