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11-16-2010 - Getting a Job and Keeping It: Learning Link Coordinates Presentation
Butler - “When Kelly Knox, DeKalb County Chamber Director called me, I couldn’t say ‘no’. I see too many students getting out of high school unprepared for completing a job application or an interview,” stated Kassy Davis, Human Resource Manager for DeKalb Molded Plastics. Davis has worked for DeKalb Molded Plastics for two years and previously worked in the human resources field for seven years.
A goal of the Chamber Partnership’s Education and Learning Link’s school-business partnerships committee is getting more business and industry leaders involved in the education of DeKalb County’s high school students. The group includes representatives from DeKalb County’s high schools, business leaders and others in the community interested in helping high schools prepare students for their future careers. Learning Link, an initiative of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, connects or ‘links’ existing community resources to achieve the shared vision of working together through continuous learning to improve the quality of life for all in DeKalb County.
Deb Tieman, Eastside Jr.-Sr. High School Careers class teacher, suggested to the committee that her students could benefit from hearing a reinforcement of some of the points she makes in her Careers class. On her list was helping the student know the expectations of what is required to get that first job, and then keeping the job.
Davis told students, “there are simple things you need to do, like filling in all the blanks on a job application, dressing appropriately for the job position for which you’re applying and showing up for the interview 10 minutes early.” Davis continued, “I’ll ask my assistant what time you showed up for the interview. If you just slid in the door on time, that makes an impression. And above all, be courteous to everyone you meet in the office.” Davis explained that her job is to select the best “fit” for her workplace from the stack of applications that arrive for a position.
“During the interview”, Davis advised students, “leave your cell phone at home. I know you can put them on vibrate or silent, but it can still be a distraction to you. Don’t even take it in the room.” Davis also advised students hold themselves upright, “have good posture, and look like you’re confident. I want to feel a firm handshake, like you can do this.”
Davis’ biggest tips for keeping the job after landing it? “Show up for work a few minutes early, be prepared for what’s ahead of you and go above and beyond what is expected.”
After the presentation, Tieman noted "the interaction between Kassy and the students was amazing. The students hear this information through classroom discussion, but when they hear it from someone who is out in the corporate world, it actually hits home with them. The Careers class at Eastside is designed to prepare students for their future. Many will be considering looking for that first job shortly, so the presentation was relevant and well received by the class."
The Chamber-Learning Link group is also working in another area--increasing the opportunities for teachers to get outside their classrooms to see what workers in related fields do on a daily basis, the real world challenges they might come up against. Judy Sorg, Learning Link Director for the foundation, stated “this is an all-inclusive experience. For example, Alcoa engineers volunteered to mentor a DeKalb Central drafting teacher for three days. The teacher had a firsthand look at the workplace environment, the interpersonal communication and technical knowledge and skills required. He said the experience was ‘invaluable’ to what he could teach his students.”
If any organization is interested in sharing workplace knowledge or skills with a student or teacher in DeKalb County, please call Judy Sorg, director of Learning Link, 260-925-0311 or e-mail JSorg@DeKalbFoundation.org, or Kelly Knox, Director of the DeKalb County Chamber, 260-925-2100 or e-mail Kelly@ChamberInAuburn.com.