BPHS business department helps students explore careers, develop leadership skills through off-site activities

The business education department at Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High School has had a busy few weeks, giving students in grades 9-12 off-campus opportunities to explore careers and develop leadership skills.

"Often students see 'business' as a person behind a desk and 'career' as words on a paper," said B-P business teacher Wendy Stokna. "Taking them to the full-immersion experiences addresses these challenges and inspires students in a way that would be next to impossible in a classroom."

On Oct. 16, a group of 18 ninth graders attended the Career Jam at HVCC. Broadalbin-Perth was one of 14 participating schools at the event, which featured more than 40 regional employers. Students also had the opportunity to tour the HVCC campus. Employers in attendance included several state agencies and departments, Regeneron, Siemens, GlobalFoundries, CSArch, Ellis Medicine, Chater Communications, and Curtis Lumber.

Students traveled even further for their next career exploration opportunity. On Oct. 22, a group of 33 students in grades 9-12 attended Jets Sports Business Day at MetLife Stadium. Students got a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and heard from several Jets business executives about their career paths and about other careers in the sports and entertainment industry, including ticket sales, client relations, marketing, corporate partnerships, and sponsorships. Students learned that the Jets receive 3,000 internship applications per hour each season. When it comes to standing out in a crowded field of applicants, speakers emphasized the importance of making connections, making positive and lasting impressions, maintaining relationships, participating in internships, working with integrity, and treating others with respect.

"I think it is so important to offer meaningful experiences to students that align with what they are learning in class," said B-P business teacher Candice Gugliemelli. "When students get to attend off-site events with their peers and hear from industry professionals, their curiosity is sparked, they visualize potential career paths, and are more motivated to work toward personal goals."

In addition to these career exploration trips, four BPHS students attended the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Fall District Meeting at Bryant & Stratton College on Oct. 18. During this conference, students participated in a variety of leadership workshops and learned about the opportunities available to them through FBLA. During the meeting, BPHS senior Devon Oakden was elected to the position of District 4 Public Relations Officer. FBLA's District 4 includes school districts in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties.

"The opportunities that are presented to our students are to show them there is a great big world out there and there are so many choices they can make to help direct them into the life they want," said B-P business teacher Lynn Bond. "These outside experiences are opportunities they can put in their 'toolbox of life' – more 'tools' to help our students with their future selves."