More than 30 professionals volunteer to talk to students
More than 30 professionals volunteer to talk to studentsCHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School held its annual STEM Career Fair for students March 3 in the school media center. More than 30 professionals from science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields donated their time and talents so that Charlotte Catholic students could gain valuable insight into possible STEM careers.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to engage in real world conversations with real professionals,” said Ivana O’Kelly, chemistry teacher at Charlotte Catholic and organizer of the career fair. “Also, connecting our students with our community in Charlotte is a part of our vision and our beliefs at Charlotte Catholic. We are always pleased when opportunities can be provided for the local community to be a part of CCHS.”
The 30 professionals came from an array of companies and included some very high-level positions. Participants included the director of nuclear engineering at Duke Energy, Influence Health’s vice president of strategic services, a meteorologist from WBTV, Presbyterian Pathology Group’s medical director, an automation engineer from Wells Fargo, and McGuire Nuclear Station’s core reactor designer.
Students made the most of the opportunity to interact with the numerous professionals, speaking with as many as possible and asking various questions. To focus their conversations and maximize their time, students compiled a list of questions in advance.
The students enjoyed learning about careers they hadn’t considered or weren’t aware of, besides careers they are contemplating.
“It was great talking with the software companies,” said senior Caitlyn Hogg. “It made me really excited to hear about the changes that are taking place in the industry and all the new possibilities for careers.”
The professionals were impressed with the students as well.
“They asked very intelligent, even phenomenal questions,” said Dana Courtney, CRNA, with Carolina Anesthesia Associates, PA. Courtney and her colleague, Jessica Dziak, CRNA, used mannequins to show students how to intubate a patient and how to secure an airway with an endotracheal tube.
“Most were very interested in all the equipment we were able to bring in,” Courtney added. “A few were taken aback by our mannequins at first, but once they saw the EKG equipment and monitors, then they really got into it.”
“What a wonderful opportunity for our students to see the practical application of math and science,” said Principal Kurt Telford. “It’s always great when we can connect the academic world with the working world for our students.”
— Carolyn Tillman is assistant director of Charlotte Catholic High School’s Advancement Office.