CAREER EXPLORATION PARTNER

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Invite students to speak at an industry event.

HOW IT WORKS

Employer

  1. Provides a 3 to 10 minute forum for an individual student to speak, or a place in a panel discussion.

  2. Meets with Collaborative partner staff and student to help them prepare for the opportunity.

  3. Encourages a sustained relationship beyond the event.

K-16 Collaborative

  1. Locates relevant students to take advantage of the opportunity.

  2. Provide faculty or staff support to help students prepare for the event, situating the opportunity within their specific learning and career goals.

  3. Supports students post event by encouraging followup thank you and relationship-building communication to the employer.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To ensure the success of a student speaker at an industry event, the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative recommends the following:

Student Preparation and Support:

Employers:  Provide a short guideline or resource packet to help students understand the expectations of the speaking engagement and offer simple tips for delivering a concise and impactful presentation.

Educators: Offer a brief training session or workshop for student speakers to provide tips on effective communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Promotion and Logistics:

Employers: Assist with logistical details, such as providing directions to the event venue or coordinating any audiovisual equipment needed for the presentations. Also promote the event on employer and industry-wide channels.

Educators: Promote the event within the college community through existing communication channels, such as newsletters, bulletin boards, or social media.

Mentorship and Support:

Employers: Offer a point of contact or liaison who can answer any questions students may have about the event and provide general guidance or encouragement.

Educators: Assign a faculty advisor or mentor to each student speaker to offer encouragement and support leading up to the event.

Cultural Sensitivity and Recognition:

Employers: Acknowledge and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and voices of student speakers, providing a welcoming environment for their contributions.

Educators: Ensure that student speakers feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and experiences, emphasizing inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.