The book title says it all: The Bigs: The Secrets Nobody Tells Students and Young Professionals About How to Find a Great Job, Do a Great Job, Be a Leader, Start a Business, Stay Out of Trouble, and Live A Happy Life.

 

Former Wall Street CEO Ben Carpenter donated 130 copies of his blueprint for a successful career to Windsor Central High School so that every senior can have a copy. Carpenter’s non-profit organization Gear Up donated the books as part of its effort to excite students about opportunities in the professional world, motivate students to start their career exploration and training right now, and educate students on how to choose, get and do a great job. 

 

 

 

“It prepares you for the life you’re about to have,” said senior Morgan Trotter. “A lot of schools don’t have this opportunity so I think it’s cool we can do this, and it’s different options for different people.”

 

One of the messages of the book is for students to look to do what they are good at, not necessarily do what they love. It’s a message that resonates with Trotter, who spends part of her school day at BOCES to study cosmetology.

 

“It’s something I’m good at. I’ve been doing my mom’s hair, my best friend’s hair and my hair. I’m self-taught,” said Trotter, who wants to study business in college before opening her own salon. 

 

The book has already had an impact in Windsor, serving as the catalyst for the High School’s annual Day with Professionals which takes place every fall. It also serves as a guide for Windsor’s many students who participate in job shadows and internships throughout the school year and during the summer. 

 

“We’re starting with creating awareness about the importance of getting out there with the Day with Professionals, or getting kids into the community to set up job-shadow opportunities,” said Heather Noyd, Windsor CSD’s Career Counselor.  

 

And it's OK if students don't yet know which is the right career for them.

 

"That's fine. Go to ten different job shadows. It's about getting kids into something. It's about exposure," said Noyd.  

 

Noyd is going to work with students to provide job-shadow and internship opportunities, as well as preparing them for the upcoming Day with Professionals. The Bigs will guide the seniors’ Career Preparation Unit in Mrs. Brey’s English class.