USM Hosts Career Day

University School of Milwaukee hosted its inaugural Career Day on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The event was specifically designed for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, and featured tailored instruction for each grade level. 

Ninth grade students spent the day with their advising groups and circulated throughout the Upper School to hear from outside speakers representing various different fields and industries. The speakers, 15 in total, are listed below and were organized by Liz Jackson, director of College Guidance at USM. Freshmen also completed a survey that will be used to match them with one of USM’s College Guidance counselors, who they will work with throughout their time in Upper School. 

Sophomores and juniors, meanwhile, spent the day developing and polishing their resumés and practicing job interview techniques. Students began the day by examining sample resumés and determining what goes in a resumé and what makes them informative. They also worked to identify their existing experience, whether through school or extracurricular activities, and received help from volunteers on how to promote that experience on their resumé. 

Students also participated in mock job interviews with parent volunteers to practice using appropriate eye contact, body language, and firm handshakes, and how to promote themselves and their experience in an employment setting. The day's activities were led by Julie Gilpin, USM trustee and parent, who has over 20 years of experience in human resources and recruiting, and Susan Zarwell ’87, assistant head of Upper School. Gilpin also gave a presentation to students sharing practical tips on workplace etiquette and expectations.   

Career Day is a requirement for anyone interested in participating in the school’s Internship and Shadowing program. The workshop has been held in previous years, but this is the first year it was held during a school day as part of the Upper School advising curriculum.

These efforts were made possible with the help of USM faculty, as well as many parent volunteers.

Career Day Guest Speakers:

Nicole Adrian, public relations, Baird
Tyler Bair ’18, realtor, Keller Williams
Kelly Brainerd, owner, KMB Design Consulting
Charlie Burns, sponsorship associate, MKTG
Julie Caldwell ’99, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Kaleidoscope Therapies
Forrest Doolen, senior director of marketing and communications, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
Caitlin Hendricks, influencer and marketing manager, CHSN
Jackie Hendricks, senior brand manager, Good Foods
Matthew Kleine, assistant general manager, Milwaukee Brewers
Becky Murray, flight nurse and paramedic, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Erin O’Donnell, freelance writer
Anjali Sharma, criminal defense attorney, Conrardy Law
Gabriel Velez, associate professor and developmental psychologist, Marquette University
Larry Xu, assistant professor and AI expert, Marquette University