As a junior, Chris Cowell chose to explore the field of education, as recommended by his sisters.
He completed two elementary internships, which he enjoyed, but ultimately decided to shift his career path to studying criminal justice in college.
“I am thankful I had the chance to experience the field of education,” Cowell said. “I now have a clearer sense of my future career goals as a result of this valuable experience.”
Connecting students like Chris to local businesses – both to encourage the opportunity to try out an industry before college, and to get feedback from employers about what skills Mohonasen students need to strengthen — is exactly what the Mohonasen Business Advisory Board is trying to achieve. The goal is to create a space where the school district and local businesses can collaborate to help ensure that students experience positive career and workforce readiness.
View photos from the meeting on Facebook here.
“We want to know what you know,” Community Business Coordinator Graham Macbeth told a room of area businesses and organizations who attended a May 14 Business Advisory Board meeting. “We want your expertise. We want to know what skills are required in your offices that our students need.”
In attendance that day were representatives from several Mohonasen departments including Special Education, Science and Technology, the Counseling Office, the Center for Advanced Technology and some students. There were also representatives from Schenectady ARC, local rental offices, First New York Federal Credit Union, local hair salons, MiSci, SUNY Schenectady, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Schenectady County, Price Chopper, plumber and carpenter unions, General Electric, Saratoga National and more.
“Our business partners play an important role in helping students find their path and nurture their career skills,” Sue Petrosino said at the meeting. Ms. Petrosino is the other community business coordinator of the Mohonasen Business Advisory Board. “Together we are developing tomorrow’s workforce.”
Barbara Kessler of Price Chopper and Mark Vermilyea of General Electric both shared their thoughts about career development.
The next Advisory Board meeting dates are Tuesday, Oct. 8, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and Tuesday, May 5. The meetings are from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Center for Advanced Technology.
If you have any questions or want to get involved, contact Ms. Petrosino at spetrosino@mohonasen.org or 518-356-8345.