Day of Professionals Exposes Seniors to Careers

What do you want to be when you grow up?

It's an age-old question asked of the young. But Windsor Central High School seniors approaching graduation not only got a chance to answer that question but also learned just what it takes to make that dream career a reality.

91 students connected with people from 17 career fields in the High School's first annual Day of Professionals. Students had “professional conversations" followed by a mock one-on-one interview session. That session tested the students’ interview skills and professionalism, further preparing the seniors for life after high school.

Jordan Collett is one of those seniors. He plans to major in accounting at SUNY Brockport, a decision reinforced by the time he spent with accountant Mark Peretore.

"I'm more interested in it. It's not pushing me away, it's pulling me in," said Collett of the event.

The professionals came from a range of careers including entrepreneurship, engineering, education and the law.

"They asked direct questions and interesting questions about the day-to-day aspects of being a lawyer, I wanted to give them a clear understanding of what it is and what you have to do. " said Michael Mucci II, ESQ of Mucci and Grace, LLP. "The most important thing if you want to be a lawyer is you have to communicate effectively and professionally."

Those professional communication skills improve with practice.

"I haven't had much experience. When I had my first interview at Animal Adventure I was nervous and shaking. But I feel better about it now," said senior Ashley Howard. Howard wants to become a pharmacist. She plans to attend SUNY Broome before transferring to Binghamton University when it opens its Pharmacy School.

"My biggest hope is that they have a firm understanding of what to do and what its going to take to do it. I'm also hoping it eases some of the anxiety that comes with a professional conversation by giving them the tools to succeed," said high school English teacher Lindsay Rogers who organized the event. 

Rogers says she plans to continue this program next year and beyond.

"This is something I think every senior class should be exposed to," said Rogers.