Choosing a career path is a significant decision, yet many individuals delay this process until late in high school or college. Research shows that establishing career direction early can improve academic performance, confidence and long-term success. Events such as Career Day help students start this process by exposing them to real-world professions and opportunities.
On Thursday, March 19th, doctors, lawyers, firefighters and EMS workers visited P.S. 279 The Herman Schreiber School, at 1070 East 104th Street, to speak with students from kindergarten through 5th grade. They discussed their daily work and professional responsibilities. This was the third year the school hosted Career Day. Principal Erika Jones-Noel told the Canarsie Courier, “We are preparing students to be career-ready, and it starts now.” Jones-Noel shared that she was inspired to become a teacher after attending a Career Day as a kindergartner.
Early exposure to careers can increase student motivation. The American Institutes for Research found that students with clear future goals are up to twice as likely to remain engaged in school. When students see how their classes connect to real jobs, they are more likely to challenge themselves, complete assignments and improve their grades. Setting goals makes school more meaningful. Zaire Turar, an EMT for four years, chose this career at 17. “I want to teach the students what I do on the field and how it helps people on a daily basis,” he said.
Career Day can be traced to the work of Frank Parsons, a social reformer recognized as the father of vocational guidance. In 1908, Parsons established one of the first career counseling centers in Boston. He advocated for assisting individuals in finding careers aligned with their skills and interests, a principle that continues to influence career education today. Parsons urged schools to extend their role beyond academic instruction by helping students envision their futures.
