Mount Saint Agnes Academy’s Career Day 2013 was a resounding success with more than 70 presenters representing more than 40 careers attending on 27 November, 2013. One third of the presenters were alumni of the school, demonstrating to students the value of an MSA education.

The annual event, organised by Guidance Counsellor Bonnie M. Exell, is a full day affair that provides MSA students an opportunity to explore career requirements by meeting with employers representing many different occupations. A Career Day differs from a traditional Career Fair by offering information through small seminars, rather than by exhibits or booths.

“Our school hosts Career Day annually to help students explore the many career options available to them,” said Ms Exell, herself an alumnus of the school. “Each student has the opportunity to attend four 45-minute workshops of their choice. In the afternoon students meet with six more presenters in a more informal ‘speed dating’ format. Students make connections at Career Day that have led to summer employment and/or internships.”

Opening the event, lawyer Jennifer Haworth shared with students her journey from attending MSA, to becoming a successful associate at MJM in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. She encouraged students to get involved in extra-curricular activities which could help them choose their career path. Mrs. Haworth travelled internationally with the MSA debate team, a pursuit she said helped her to choose a law career.

Workshops available during the remainder of the day included a wide range of careers from the more traditional sectors such as accounting, law, interior design, education, banking, engineering, healthcare, architecture, information technology and veterinary science, to the less conventional aerial photography/surveying, social media and graphic design, conservation, and dance. The key messages communicated to students were the opportunities in the industry, the training students need to work in the industry, the skills used regularly on the job, and how a typical day looks.

Career development is an integral part of the MSA curriculum. Each student has a 4-year education plan which is directed by the student’s career goals. Ms Exell also works closely with the students to explore careers using an online programme that helps students evaluate their interests, abilities, personalities and values to help them choose a career path.

On November 27 the school also held Take Our Kids to Work Day, during which Grade 9 students go to work with their parents. The purpose of this day is to give students knowledge of the skills required in today’s workplaces, to allow students to explore career options in practical ways, to help students appreciate a parent’s role in making a living and supporting a family, to help students understand the importance of staying in school and getting a high school diploma, to serve as a catalyst for career discussions with adults about the work they do, to help students make the connection between education and their future, and to help students understand the complexity of career choices and the benefits of early exploration.

“These two annual events give our students real world connections to the career options available to them,” said Ms Exell. “We are very fortunate to have such generous presenters, and employer hosts, who give of their time to educate our students.”