Each spring, the Central Catholic’s junior class are able to meet virtually with professionals from around the country and the world to learn about a variety of different career paths. Before the event, the juniors list their #1 and #2 career choices as well as their ‘dream career’. Based on this list from the students, professionals in those particular areas are then sought after to take part in CC’s virtual career day.
Before career day became virtual, the students would go to a local business and job shadow someone for half a day. However, COVID caused that to stop as the number of hosts was much smaller due to uncertainty of whether or not the professionals themselves would be in-person at their place of work.
“Coming back, the decision to keep it virtual was easy because our pool of hosts could be as large as we needed and the hosts could be anywhere in the world,” said Tabitha Perior, Central Catholic Registrar.
Additionally, with the virtual career day, the students also have the benefit of meeting with people and learning about career choices that may not have otherwise been available locally. This can help the students either narrow down or broaden their ideas about what to study in college and beyond.
“Last year, we had several students interested in the film, music production, acting, and set building industries, and that is not something that they are really exposed to here in Lafayette,” said Perior.
Some of the student favorites from last year included a Marine Biologist (England), Nuclear Chemist (Florida), Surgeon (Lafayette), Forensic Entomologist (Rensselaer), Chef (New York), Music Producer (Birmingham), Film Producer (Washington DC), Broadway Actor (New York),
Makeup Artist (Los Angeles), Traveling Artist (London), Author (Virginia), Astronomical Scientist (Colorado).
Additionally, holding a career day virtually takes a lot of the burden off of the hosts as well. The professionals simply agree to meet at a certain day and time, and then log in virtually to answer questions and talk about their career. Many of the professionals who have taken part in the virtual career day are also Central Catholic Alumni.
“The professionals seem to genuinely enjoy participating, and it is easier for them because the time commitment is only 30 minutes on a specific day, with little to no preparation that they have to do on their end,” said Perior. “Most are thankful to be able to share their experiences and interact with the students.”