On May 25, 2022, we hosted the third annual Job Shadow Day. We partnered with nine local companies to provide a one-day shadowing experience for our junior class at An Achievable Dream Middle & High School. This year, it was held in-person, and our students were eager to gain hands-on experience with professionals working in their desired career fields. Participating Job Shadow Day partners included: Newport News Fire Department, Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, Doodle Donuts and Café, Christopher Newport University, Hampton Roads Eye Associates, Smithfield Foods, Keller Williams, Brooks Crossing Innovation Center, and Hercules Fence.
While shadowing at the Newport News Fire Department, students learned basic CPR skills and how to intubate the lungs of an adult and baby. Elijah, an AAD student, shared, “I learned about CPR and saw what the technical squad does. It was a great trip, and I am now interested in becoming a firefighter.”
Dr. Latitia McCane, Director of Education at the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, spoke to students about her experience as the first African American and the first woman in her role. Students toured the Apprentice School building and rotated through stations where they practiced welding, pipe fitting, painting, milling, electrical work, and pneumatics on virtual simulators. Students also enjoyed a Chick-Fil-A lunch donated by Bayport Credit Union, with Newport News Shipbuilding vice presidents Matt Needy and Jason Sutton. Student, Quintin, shared, “I enjoyed learning about all of the school’s different opportunities for students. Welding was the most interesting to me, and I enjoyed trying it virtually and improving over time.”
Brian McTurnal and Rebecca Whalen of Doodle Donuts and Café spoke to students about opening a new business and showed them how to make donuts. Students cut, fried, and decorated donuts, cinnamon twists, and apple fritters. Student, Masiya, shared, “This encouraged me to continue to pursue the culinary arts; I want to be a chef in a kitchen.”
Nevaeh, who visited Christopher Newport University, listened to a presentation by Brittany Roberts, who will soon be a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Ms. Roberts, along with other presenters, told students why they chose to counsel as a profession and advised them on how they practice self-care while counseling others. After her experience at CNU, Nevaeh shared, “I learned about the number of residency hours you need to become a licensed counselor. I enjoyed hearing stories from the speakers, and I got a better understanding of the field from this trip.”
Students shadowed Dr. Denise Chamblee, Dr. Chan Nguyen, and Dr. Gary Tanner during a visit to Hampton Roads Eye Associates. Students learned about optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans used for early diagnoses of eye conditions and optos retinal imaging, diagnostic equipment to view the retina. Student, Shoniah, said, “I learned about glaucoma. I enjoyed getting to interact with the patients. This experience was very encouraging, I was thinking about pursuing a different career, but this helped me refocus on optometry.”
Jessica Jones at Smithfield Foods gave students a first-hand look at the equipment and processes used to manufacture food. Students sampled the food, toured the corporate office and executive annex, and met some administrative professionals. After the session, student, Drew, said, “I realized how much goes into the food we eat and how it gets to our plate. I also learned a lot of fun trivia about different food-related things, like where Canadian bacon comes from and how Boston butt got its name.”
Aaliyah, who shadowed Olivia Barefoot, a realtor at Keller Williams, shared, “I learned that real estate goes hand in hand with entrepreneurship. I enjoyed learning about the real estate process and compiling a buyer form.” Aaliyah attended a meeting with Ms. Barefoot, viewed property listings, and reviewed listings in the multiple listing service (MLS) system.
At the Brooks Crossing Innovation Center, students shadowed Mia Joe and coded music through an online music mixer program. Student, Angel, shared, “The most interesting this was hearing the different types of beats everyone made with the program. It encouraged me to look more into the technology field.”
After visiting Hercules Fence, student Bryan shared, “This trip encouraged me. Not only did the hands-on part intrigue me, but the sit-down and office work were also interesting. I would love to go back and get a longer, more in-depth experience.” Jay Klebanoff, Hercules Fence CEO and AAD Virginia Beach board member, and his team answered Bryan’s questions and offered career advice on management, finding direction, and working well with others. Bryan also learned about the fencing business’ operations, including proposals, contracts, and internal operations, and he visited several job sites.
We appreciate our partners for making this day an engaging learning experience for our students.