"Work in the Real World"

2010

IVCC - November 12, 2010

On November 12, BEST, Inc, in association with Illinois Valley Community College, hosted its annual “Work in the Real World” event. Approximately 51 junior and senior students from area high schools attended. 

The event theme was “Giving Back to Your Community” and focused on volunteer and public service, in addition to innovations in agri-business.  Speakers from Princeton Fire Department and Oglesby Police Department spoke on the demands placed on their staff and the requirements for entry-level positions.  Lois Guyon, Ph.D. spoke on the satisfaction of volunteering with the restoration of Spring Lake in Streator and as a horseback search and rescue volunteer for the sheriff’s department.  In addition, she encouraged the use of volunteer opportunities to build one’s skills and references.  Jean Nakaerts, a volunteer trainer with Leader Dog and Canine Companion, spoke on her opportunity to turn that work into a full-time career and also demonstrated service dog training.  Terry Patyk and Pam Horwitz presented information concerning the changing face of agri-businesses. 

SVCC - November 9, 2010

The annual career conference, “Work in the Real World”, was held November 9 at Sauk Valley Community College. With 268 high school students attending from seven different schools, it was the largest such conference held to date.  Registration surpassed available openings, and accommodations were made to ensure every student could participate.  

Meeting with local employers, students explored career options for occupations within the nursing, allied health, business, criminal justice, agriculture and transportation/mechanics industries.  Approximately 40 employers presented information to students about careers, wages, hiring requirements and necessary work skills.  Students were very complimentary of the employers who participated and information that was shared.  One student wrote, “I liked how people took time away from their jobs to inform us and also how much useful information they gave”. 

In addition to career exploration seminars, Ami Dean from WithIn, Inc provided an excellent presentation on entrepreneurship. The SVCC drama department held a mock interviewing session, and representatives from Morrison Community Hospital, One Stop Building Shop and Wahl Clipper participated with students in an interactive employer panel.

  According to evaluations from businesses, educational representatives and students, the event

  was hugely successful.