The platform may be different, but the value remains the same.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Jr./Sr. High School seniors enrolled in the College & Career Enrichment Program are still gaining priceless experience in real world settings.
Instead of making in-person visits to workplaces of interest, the students are making virtual visits. The change, although an adjustment, doesn’t appear to be putting a damper on the program. 
Alivia Enos, a senior in the program who plans to attend the University of Buffalo next year to study pre-law, says virtual visits and conversations may actually allow students to absorb even more knowledge.
“You just have to envision really being there,” Enos explained. “It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s still going to be a great opportunity for students to learn so much from the professional they are shadowing. A one-on-one virtual visit may even make some students feel more comfortable, giving them the confidence to ask more questions and have a more open discussion.”
As part of the College & Career Enrichment Program, every senior is given several, unique opportunities to shadow a professional in his or her work environment, allowing students to learn, first hand, how the important workplace skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in the real world. By interacting with a professional in an authentic work environment, students are also regularly networking, improving communication and listening skills and gaining confidence for life after high school. Above all, students can confirm their desire to pursue a particular career or become motivated to explore other avenues.
In order to participate, each senior must be in good academic standing and create a portfolio, which includes a cover letter, resume and references. Additionally, each senior is required to complete a research paper about his or her career choice, write a reflective essay at the conclusion of every visit to a specific job site and send a thank you card to their host.
Business teacher, Mrs. Weissenberger, is the coordinator for the College & Career Enrichment Program. She says COVID-19 has forced the program to adapt, but like Enos, is confident the program will continue to be extremely beneficial.”
“It will still be a personal and efficient experience for our students,” Mrs. Weissenberger said. “As in the past, students can attend and participate in college meetings, job fairs and mock interviews – they will just have to do it virtually. Not knowing how long the COVID-19 pandemic and ‘new normal’ will last, gaining experience and working in virtual settings is actually a plus. Many businesses are using technology to conduct preliminary interviews, and students need to step out of their comfort zone and educators need to give them the tools to succeed in this very different environment.”
According to Mrs. Weissenberger, individual and group meetings, interviews for internships and job site tours remain options. Employers will still be able to see and provide feedback on student resumes as well. The goal is for in-person visits to resume in the spring.
“We just need to take advantage of and fully utilize all of the awesome technology available to us,” Mrs. Weissenberger added.
Thanks to the College & Career Enrichment Program, during the 2019-20 school year, 70 students from the Class of 2020 visited more than 80 job sites to shadow professionals in dozens of different fields.
“I’m excited to gain perspective,” Enos chimed. “There’s a few different careers I’m going to be able to take a good look at to help me decide what I want to do when I get out of high school.”
Pictured - Isabella Ricci, senior, participates in a virtual meeting.