Middle School is a great time for students to start thinking about their future careers. Alden’s 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders are fortunate enough to have “Career Chats” every other Friday during lunch beginning in October. Guest speakers from various different fields of work are invited to the Middle School to talk about their jobs and give students a chance to find out what they’re interested in. This program runs through the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) class.

So far this year, speakers have included a Teacher, Board of Education Member, an Alden State Bank employee, an ECMC Nurse Practitioner from the burn unit, a Workers’ Compensation Manager from Rich Products, a Safety Supervisor from Asplundh Tree Company, an ER Nurse from Millard Fillmore Hospital, and a Family Nurse Practitioner that works at the prison.

In addition, some of the most anticipated career chat speakers were four State Troopers and their K-9 dog, Riley. The Troopers were Sue Kasniak, Jeff Bebak, John Campanella, and Jim Jackson. Students learned how the State Troopers work together with Riley in order to do their jobs.

“Students really enjoy hearing about individual professions and having the opportunity to ask questions,” says FACS teacher Mrs. Zelasko.

Career chats are informal talks similar to “show and tell.” It is a casual environment with up to 20 students allowed to sign up ahead of time. Guest speakers are most often asked about personal experiences, education requirements, salaries, a typical day at work, and how a student can start preparing for a specific career while in Middle School. They often bring in samples, handouts, or tools of the trade to give students a hands-on experience.

These career chat speakers may greatly impact the future career choice of Alden Middle School students!