With the opening of a new College and Career Center at McHenry High School's Upper Campus, a new career exploration speaker series is underway for students to learn more about different career paths.
The Career Exploration Series, scheduled typically for a Thursday during AIM, features experts from a variety of fields to talk with students about what the work is like and what kind of education and training is needed to prepare. About a dozen MCHS students attended the most recent program Nov. 11 on physical therapy that featured a doctor from Red Rock Physical Therapy in McHenry.
Past programs include a fire science expert from McHenry County College and a library science speaker from McHenry Public Library. Upcoming presentations are planned for plumbing, HVAC and electrical, nursing and child development, with more to come.
Curtis Menke, college and career counselor for MCHS, said he lets students know about upcoming presentations through weekly emails and notifications.
"The MCHS Career Exploration Series is an opportunity to learn about career areas from local industry professionals," Menke said. "This includes what a normal day-in-the-life looks like as well as the education and training necessary to work in that career."
The new College and Career Center on the second floor opened with the 2021-22 school year, and features renovated offices and open spaces for students to meet with teachers and counselors.