Island Youth Take on Careers... for a Day
Students Travel to Mainland for Work Experience
By Leslie Rott

Caleb Straight rides with Mackinac County Undersheriff Darrell Sadler during a school-sponsored job shadow.

Students in grades eight through 12 had the opportunity on Thursday, May 26, to try out potential careers through the school’s job shadowing program.

The program was started two years ago, said teacher Susan Bennett.

“I just did it because I thought it would be a good experience for the students,” she noted.

Preparation begins months before the big day. Students fill out an interest survey, then select three careers from a list of jobs available.

Every student created a resume and letter of introduction, both of which were sent to potential employers. As far as employers, Mrs. Bennett said, “People were very helpful. I had no one refuse.”

Jobs were numerous and varied. Students worked at The Zone, a radio station in Cheboygan, Community Memorial Hospital in Cheboygan, Up North School of Cosmetology in Petoskey, Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson, U.S. Coast Guard Station in Saint Ignace, the Mackinac County Sheriff’s Department, and several Island businesses, such as Grand Hotel. From construction to interior design, students had the opportunity to work at a job that fit their interests.

Scott Roguska spent the day at Pierpont Video Productions in Harbor Springs.

“I got to see how they create commercials,” he said, and learned a lot about the business. “I just enjoyed the whole day.”

Having the opportunity to see how the professionals work, he said, further stimulated his interest in video production. He recommends job shadowing to everyone.

Riley Chaffee and Caleb Straight spent the day riding in police cars in St. Ignace, and said they loved the experience.

Mrs. Bennett said not everyone had such a good time, however, but, she added, that is all part of the experience of job shadowing.

“Our goal is to expose the kids to occupations they may be interested in,” Mrs. Bennett said.

Each student was evaluated by their employer, based upon criteria such as attitude, poise and courtesy, personal appearance, cooperation, and promptness.

“It seemed like the students and the employers had good interactions,” Mrs. Bennett said.

(Photo courtesy of Susan Bennett)