In an effort to continue to provide students with opportunities to think and learn about opportunities they will have after graduation, St. Francis Middle School hosted its Inaugural Career Exploration Conference on May 1 for 8th-grade students.
Bridging interests and opportunities: The primary goal of the conference was to provide students with a broad spectrum of information regarding various career pathways. Students had the chance to see exactly how their current interests and skills can eventually translate into real-world career opportunities.
A diverse array of professionals: The event featured an impressive lineup of guests from numerous industries, giving students a firsthand look at a "day in the life" of different professions. Students had the opportunity to choose five, 30-minute sessions with area professionals they wanted to learn more from. View photos from the event. (Photos taken by SFMS student Matthew Huettl)
Highlights of the career paths represented included:
Creative & Technical Services: Graphic Designers, Librarians, and Engineering professionals from the medical device industry.
Trades & Infrastructure: Experts in plumbing, HVAC/welding, and construction and maintenance.
Business & Entrepreneurship: Real estate agents, small business owners, business/personal bankers, and startup specialists.
Health & Wellness: Hospital pharmacists, pharmacy techs, Doctors of Chiropractic, Mental Health Therapists, and Orthodontists.
Public Service & Education: Local police officers, firefighters, probation officers, and specialists in early childhood education.
Civic Planning: Representatives from community development focusing on planning, zoning, and public utilities like water and wastewater.
SFMS administration and staff members are extremely thankful for the area professionals who volunteered their time for this event and the plan is to make this event an annual opportunity for the 8th-grade class to engage and grow their professional curiosities.
Thank you to the following people and businesses for donating their time. We appreciate you!
Michelle Anderson, Anderson Hometown and ReMax Results Team Realty
Michelle Bauer, Lightbridge Academy
Amy Behning , Amy B’s Realty Brokered by Fathom
Steve Berg, Connexus Energy
Dylan Copenhaver, Elevation Exteriors
Collette Dahlin, Village Bank
Tera Gilmore, Marvin Windows
Lyle Hearn, St. Francis Police Department
Jessica Hill, Minnesota Department of Corrections
Nicole Howard, Serenity Salon
Tim Kizer ,St. Francis Fire Department
Jessica Klohn, Milestone Orthodontics
Dana Kinde, Village Bank
Corinne Libby, Fairview Health
John Maki, City of St. Francis, Public Works, Wastewater
Jeremy McConkey, St. Paul Pipefitters and Steamfitters Local 455
Venessa McConkey, Allina Health
Dr. Brian Opp, Opp Family Chiropractic
Dr. Cindy Opp, Opp Family Chiropractic
Scott Robinette, Robinette Brothers and Dad Automotive
Stephanie Sanford, Medtronic
Jodie Steffes, City of St. Francis, Community Development and Zoning
Chayse Sundt, Anoka County Library
Ashley Weber, Hair by Ashely Weber LLC, Serenity Salon
Stacy Wolfgram, Family Based Therapy Associates