Real-world advice on jobs

SHENANDOAH, Iowa — Thirty-five Iowa high school students from Shenandoah, Farragut, Sidney, Hamburg and South Page got a look at area employment opportunities at a recent Mentoring Day in Shenandoah.

At-risk students got to hear from 12 Shenandoah businesses at the session, which was coordinated by Nishna Productions Inc. and sponsored by the Hockenberry Foundation, UPS and Walmart.

“Our hope is that students come away with a better feel for what type of employment opportunities are out there after high school,” said Monica Bartlett, NPI director of organizational employment. “We understand that college isn’t for everyone. This gives students and employers a chance to network and visit with each other.”

Representatives from Hy-Vee, Subway, M’s Fine Dining, Turnbull Child Development Center, Fair Oaks Assisted Living, Shenandoah Animal Hospital, Shenandoah Fire Department, Shenandoah Police Department, KMA, Pella, Walmart and Earl May spoke to students about what they look for in employees, how to get a job with their companies and what their responsibilities would be if hired.

“I hope they learn that jobs are not just a plaything; that they need to work hard,” said Subway manager Donna McIntosh. “The biggest thing I wanted to stress was not to lie; it won’t get them anywhere but a lost job.”

McIntosh added she really enjoyed talking to the kids. “They need to know what it takes to go out there and get a job and to work hard at it.”

Dr. Margaret Brady from the Shenandoah Animal Hospital, told students a position at the animal hospital may not be the cleanest job, but it is rewarding work.

“I think most of these kids are our future employees here in Shenandoah,” said Brady. “I hope they realize there are lots of different opportunities here in this community; that they don’t necessarily have to go on to college and get training.”

Bartlett said NPI has a program called Students Transitioning to Adult Responsibility and Success (STARS) that works with area schools to provide more classes and training for high school students.

“We provide them with that little extra push,” said Bartlett.

Additionally, NPI has a community employment program that helps people who need extra help to get a job.

“It’s a win-win for both the employee and employer,” Bartlett said.

Students got the chance to sign up for job shadowing at the businesses.

“Job shadowing will allow the potential employee to get a better feel for a position; they’ll also be able to tour the facility and interact with employees,” Bartlett said.

Liz Carlson of Iowa Workforce Development explained how the agency helps people find jobs and offered some interviewing tips.

NPI hosted a Mentoring Day in Red Oak on Wednesday for students from Villisca, Stanton and Red Oak.