By Ale Menendez
On Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, Columbus students got to step out of the classroom and participate in one of Columbus's most unique and important experiences: Career Day. This event provided students with an active representation of the “Columbus Brotherhood” that is so often emphasized. It allowed students to learn more about the career they would like to pursue by learning from experts in every field.
Before the event, students were given a survey asking what career field they would be most interested in. This allowed for students to be placed into groups of various fields, such as law, business, and more. These groups would then sit in on presentations, discussions, and Q&As with Columbus Alumni who have taken a step out into the real world and seen what these careers are like.
“It inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship as a career and think more about what specific major I want to pursue in college. I don’t think anything can give you that kind of insight besides talking to guys, especially from Columbus, that have gone out there and done it,” said Junior Nico Haddad.
And it’s this real-world experience that allows for career day to be such an important day on the calendar for all Columbus students, especially upperclassmen. But it’s not just Columbus students who enjoy participating in a career day. It may be the Alumni who get more of a kick out of being back on their home turf.
“It’s a great experience,” said Alumni and lawyer Jose Fuentes. I always love the opportunity to come back to the school and see the growth, but the core of this place remains the same, and that’s what makes it so special.”
And Columbus allowed Fuentes to build and shape his career.
“The brotherhood. And just the bond, faculty, and being surrounded by people who genuinely care about your well-being (helps you)," he said.
This Columbus Spirit that Fuentes describes is present throughout the halls during career day. Alumni giving high fives left and right, reconnecting with some of their old teachers and friends, and most importantly, teaching the next generation of explorers how to represent Columbus well and succeed in whatever career they choose to pursue.
In terms of the “behind the scenes” operation that allows career day to run so smoothly, Mrs. Colleen Anderson and Dr. Burrus both handle it perfectly. From coordinating which Alumni’s to invite to allowing students to participate in whichever presentation they enjoy most, they make this experience as enjoyable and informative as possible for Columbus students.
“I joined Dr. Burrus in organizing Career Day three years ago. We have made quite a few changes. Some of the more noticeable changes are that we went from the senior class participating to the Junior class, as well as we have given students the ability to select which career path interests them the most.”
Mrs. Anderson also notes the importance of connecting with Alumni.
“I truly feel one thing, connecting our Alumni with the students is imperative. The Columbus network is one of the strongest networking groups around,” she said.
There’s no family like the Columbus Brotherhood, and Career Day clearly plays an important role in allowing for the Explorers of today to connect with the Explorers of tomorrow by getting a taste of what future career they would like to pursue.
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