by Aaron He,
AWHS Communications Intern
The AW Career Education program helps students answer the question, “What are you planning to do after graduation?” Anthony Wayne High School students are encouraged to learn about a variety of careers to see how their interests and abilities align with their future goals. These opportunities help them to make informed decisions about their future and whether they will pursue employment, enlistment or additional education after high school.
Career Talk at the Toledo Zoo - Fall 2023
Whether students are unsure of where to begin or looking for clarity on their next steps, AWHS provides them with the guidance and resources they need to embark on a successful career journey.
Each month, many opportunities are available for AWHS students to seek out different professions. In January, there were four career talks featuring expertise on cardiology, culinary, education, and vascular surgery. During the month of February, students could hear from a sports photographer, NICU nurse, a graphic designer and representatives from the skilled trades.
There were also two field trips offered, one to the YMCA and the other to be an “Engineer for a Day.” Most recently, the In-Demand Jobs Day connected seniors with more than 70 representatives from businesses, military branches, universities and trades programs.
These diverse opportunities for career exploration serve as invaluable resources for students as they navigate their post-high school plans.
By attending these events, students gain first hand exposure to a variety of professions, allowing them to explore different fields and discover potential interests and passions. Engaging with experts in these fields provides students with valuable insights into the skills and qualifications required for various careers.
During the cardiology career talk, attendees were given a comprehensive overview of emergency responses, specifically focusing on cardiac events. First, the livestream from the Cleveland Clinic featured a vivid demonstration of a typical 911 call, emphasizing the importance of immediate first aid in such scenarios. The distinction between cardiac arrest and heart attacks were highlighted, clarifying that while cardiac arrest denotes the stopping of the heart, a heart attack occurs when a portion of the heart is deprived of blood flow. Moreover, various professions within emergency responses were explored, each with its distinct contributions and decision-making processes. The presentation also included interactive trivia segments, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention among the audience. Additionally, attendees were briefed on job opportunities, education requirements, pay scales, and growth prospects in Ohio (as pictured), providing valuable insights for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students attending this career talk were able to gain a thorough understanding of emergency responses. This included valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities available in emergency response, along with information regarding job prospects, therefore empowering them to make informed decisions about their future in healthcare.
In a captivating career talk on education featuring Mr. Herman, Assistant Superintendent at AWLS with an impressive 31-year tenure in the field, attendees were given a wealth of insight into the realm of teaching. Mr. Herman’s journey provided a roadmap of a typical educational trajectory post-graduation, culminating in his current role as an assistant superintendent. Delving into his specific profession as a teacher educator, Mr. Herman offered a glimpse into his specific profession as a teacher educator, highlighting the importance of communication with students and the overarching goal of preparing them for future endeavors, including college. Mr. Herman also provided a detailed overview of the pay scale at Anthony Wayne, supplying students with valuable insights into the financial aspects of a teaching career. The session also featured an interactive Q&A session, allowing students to seek clarification on any pertinent questions they had. One student asked about becoming a professor for a college, in which Mr. Herman was able to detail the path for the student’s question. Additionally, attendees were offered a unique shadowing opportunity at any of the schools, including local universities, allowing them to gain firsthand experience and further explore the field of education.
Mrs. Buckenmeyer, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Career Development (grades 7-12) described the career talks as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and be able to talk to professionals to help determine if the students are potentially a good fit for that specific field.
She also related them to the movie “UP,” where some students attend all the career talks even if they aren’t interested in the field to cross off something on their list to help narrow down their choices for college. These career talk opportunities also allow students to save large amounts of money and ask specific questions pertaining to that field. Mrs. Buckenmeyer also said that all students are encouraged to come and sit through these concise talks as they might house some information vital to their future career.
Those looking for more information about future planning, including upcoming Career Talks are encouraged to visit the district website at www.AnthonyWayneSchools.org/CareerEducation.