Aiken County Public Schools students got a chance to figure out what they want to be when they grow up by participating in the annual district-wide AikenWorks Job Shadowing Day on Friday, January 30. Over 1,100 8th grade through 12th grade students were able to partner with local, regional, and statewide businesses to explore a potential career of interest.
“This day also helps students understand the relevance of their studies and the importance of academic and career goals by bringing the world of work to life. Employers have an opportunity to contribute by preparing future professionals, sharing their expertise, and demonstrating a commitment to community strengthening,” Larry Millstead, ACPSD Career Specialist said. “It's viewed as a collective effort where the community works together to guide young people.”
Since 2018, Aiken County students have participated in Job Shadowing Day. Students can participate through existing community partnerships, like with Columbia Auto Group, City of Aiken Public Safety and Palmetto Motion, or find their own professional to shadow.
“It's great, especially being new to the community, being able to have that outreach, and a place for them to come and see what business is like in several different aspects as we do everything from manufacturing the vehicle to laser, to business, to IT, to engineering,” Jacquelyn Holguin, Business Systems Manager at Columbia Auto Group said.
“I think it's been really great even for us to have them here because they, talking about what you do reminds you why you love it,” Emily Russell, pharmacist at Family Pharmacy said. “I'm glad they were here today. I hope that it gives them a little bit of insight of what they want to do with their future.”
“Each year this experience grows, fueled by companies that return in support year after year, along with new partners who see the value in investing early in our future workforce,” Oscar Rushton, District Work-Based Learning Coordinator said. “Job shadowing gives students clarity, clarity about what a career truly involves and clarity about how they need to prepare for life after graduation.”
Some of the jobs Aiken County students pursued on Job Shadow day included Pastry Chef, Postal Clerk, Rancher, News Producer, DOT Superintendent, Equine Veterinarian, Flight Line Technician and more.
According to Rushton, National Job Shadow Day remains an key component of ACPSD’s commitment to career readiness, workforce development, and ensuring students graduate with a clear understanding of their options and the steps needed to pursue them successfully.
“I think it's important because you'd want to know what to want to do in college, in the classes you want to take, and what career we want to pick,” Aiken High School junior Kelsey Burnett said. “You don't want to go into anything blindly.”
