Pathways Academy of Technology and Design

Freshmen Career Day 2017

Early on a brisk fall morning in East Hartford, professionals took time out of their busy schedules to visit with the freshmen at Pathways Academy to impart their knowledge on STEAM career possibilities that students can consider. Energized by the keynote speaker, Mr. Mike Mallery, author, inspirational lecturer, entrepreneur and humanitarian, students were incented to consider the Three P’s: PREPARE, PURPOSE & PROFESSIONAL. Fresh young minds have a lot to offer so Mr. Mallery shared, “Find your purpose, find yourself and when you find yourself, that’s when the magic starts to happen!” He shared how students are in the best time of their lives, they have a golden opportunity at Pathways and now it is time to, “maximize your opportunity!” He often left the students with, “I planted a seed,” reminding students that these nuggets of information that they are hearing and learning are just the beginning and now they need to take action and make them grow.

After this inspiration students continued on to seven different sessions to learn about a variety of career opportunities from professionals at:

  • American Eagle Financial Credit Union
  • Asnuntuck College
  • Cognizant
  • FOX61
  • Stanley Black & Decker
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers

From speaking with a Data Scientist about the value of math to Stanley introducing students to the basic IT project model of Plan, Build, Run to how news is determined and shared, there was a breadth of opportunity available just by speaking to the professional guests. As more students are expressing interest in Advanced Manufacturing, Asnuntuck College was able to share information about majors they offer and career possibilities that students could consider.

Professionals shared about their career path, how they found their passion and the twists and turns they navigated to pursue interesting endeavors. Students asked questions to learn more and inquired about the possibilities as well as the requirements.

Career Day is an annual event for new Pathways students and it helps students to consider the importance of school, applying yourself and finding a career you are very passionate about. Career Day is a beginning of a progression of Work-Based Learning that prepares Pathways students to be College and Career Ready. Students apply for paid internships beginning as soon as their freshmen year but the goal is to assist the majority of juniors to find summer internships that will expose them to more of the real-world, helping them to select a major in college and a career they can truly enjoy.

As a NAF school, Pathways is always looking to expand their network of professional partners. The Industry Advisory Board provides business perspective and support for curriculum enhancements, internship program growth, work-based learning programming and scholarship funding. Making the connection between business and academics is critical to developing a prepared future workforce and we feel very fortunate to have so many great partners who understand that necessary commitment and were willing to make

Career Day 2017 possible.