The GGP’s Career Readiness program was a success, addressing the junior classes from Berkshire, Newbury and Ledgemont schools on January 6 at Kent State Geauga.
Students learned what the three powerful attributes of a first impression are, what they shouldn’t bring to an interview and why they are never meeting just one person. Advice was shared by coaching expert Lori Gorrell of Upwards Solutions Caching & Consulting.
Throughout the day, over 25 professionals gave their time as volunteers. They coached, prepared and challenged students through interactive exercises that taught them what employers want to know, gave them practice answering the top questions interviewers often ask, learning how to make and leverage positive 1st impressions, how to identify and showcase their transferable skills as they build resumes and giving tips on building confidence while interviewing.
John Epprecht, CEO, Great Lake Cheese, set the tone early by stating, ”CEOs, at a recent conference, stated that what they are the most worried about is workforce.” He went on to say, “we don’t have a 21st century workforce- with soft skills, repair skills, technology skills and this is where business and education need to get together.”
Christian Klein, CEO, Company 119, then challenged students and went on to share this advice:” Companies want to grow. They hire for their reasons, [they] want people that fit their company and can get along with their employees. Referrals from trusted friends and employees are often the way to find the best people. Building your network [and] managing your online presence affects attitudes about you.”
Following Christian’s lead, Megan Clarke, HR Manager at Gold Key Processing, encouraged students to research companies when interviewing (via several online resources) and told them how it gives them an advantage over other candidates.
Peer lessons came about from two GGP 2014 interns who were on-hand, giving an account of their experiences as interns and encouraging students to take advantage of the Summer Intern Program.
Concluding the event was a Jeopardy-style competition, challenging students to show what they learned.
GGP first started collaborating with Berkshire Superintendent Doug DeLong in 2013, to educate Berkshire students about Geauga County job opportunities and workplace expectations. This year, GGP, along with Berkshire High School and in cooperation with Kent State University Geauga, has expanded the progressive learning experience to encompass grades 10 through 12, benefitting four of Geauga’s high schools; Berkshire, Newbury, Ledgemont and Cardinal.
The following businesses and organizations participated as volunteers: Great Lakes Cheese, Kent State University, Upwards Solutions Coaching & Consulting, Company 119, Berkshire, Ledgemont and Newbury Local Schools, Hexpol/Gold Key Processing, Thrasher Dinsmore & Dolan, Steven Peter, Geauga County Job & Family Services, United Way Services, Geauga ESC, Humanics, Western Reserve Farm Coop, Huntington Bank, Lake-Geauga SHRM, Avery Dennison, Sirna’s Farm Market , Sirna’s Pizza, Geauga Credit Union, Auburn Career Center, Denorah Tech, Cleveland Clinic and the GGP. The GGP Education Taskforce is chaired by John Wilhelm, and coordinated by Bonnie Troyer, Workforce Development Director.
We thank the Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation for their support of our Career Readiness and Intern programs. Without their support, these programs would not be possible. Special thanks to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Annual Sponsor of all Geauga Growth Partnership Programs.
Geauga Growth Partnership, Inc. is a business-led organization dedicated to the retention, growth and attraction of jobs, investment and economic growth in Geauga County. For more information visit www.geaugagrowth.com, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
