Career Day Promotes Success in the Workplace

University School of Milwaukee hosted its second annual Career Day on Wednesday, Sept. 16. 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, 14 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 spent the day in a mix of presentations and workshops led by USM trustee and parent Julie Gilpin and USM parent Kara McMahon, along with additional parent volunteers, who helped students develop and polish their resumés and practice 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 with the volunteers 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. 

After finalizing their resumés, students participated in mock job interviews with the volunteers to practice using appropriate eye contact, body language, and firm handshakes, and to practice promoting themselves and their experience in an employment setting. Finally, students heard a presentation on workplace etiquette and expectations led by Gilpin, who has over 20 years of experience in human resources and recruiting, and McMahon, founder of Admissions by Design.

Juniors, meanwhile, spent the day visiting Marquette University where they learned about the college admissions process and visited Marquette’s Career Services Center to learn how to become strong job candidates.

“Career Day works because our students get to hear from people who have taken different paths, built different careers, and learned a few things along the way,” said Charlie Housiaux ’02, assistant head of Upper School. “Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported our students!” 

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 second year it was held during the school day as part of the Upper School advising curriculum.

These efforts were made possible with the help of USM faculty, Gilpin and McMahon, and the many parent volunteers who participated.

Career Day Guest Speakers:

Kelly Brainerd, owner of KMB Design Consulting
Kari Jensen, clinical social worker 
Alyssa Remington, economic development specialist for the city of Milwaukee
Jinwoo Lee, concertmaster, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 
Andrea Hug, senior event planner at RW Baird
Jackie Hendricks, brand manager at Good Foods 
Caitlin Hendricks, social media specialist and influencer
Reverend Justin Lester, pastor and AI specialist 
David Barlett, architect 
Anjali Sharma, criminal defense attorney 
Michael Asuncion, FVP, wealth management, Morgan Stanley 
Jerry King, president of Precast Engineering Company 
Jena Sher Koch, owner of Jena Sher Graphic Design 
Lieutenant Nick Hermberg, US Naval Academy professor