Eighth Grade Career Week

By: Mrs. Sarah Moncrief, Middle School Counselor

A longtime flagship event of 8th grade at Saint James School has been Career Week.  This nationally recognized program is one our students have looked forward to each year since its inception over 30 years ago. 

During our first semester of 8th grade, students research careers that fit their interests. They learn how to construct a resume, write a cover letter, and fill out an employment application. Students discuss proper etiquette and practice professionalism through mock interviews.

In November, students participated in two zoom meetings. During these sessions, students heard from professionals why they chose their career, the path they traveled to arrive where they are now, and what their job entails. Students were given the chance to ask questions and hear real-life stories about these professions.

Afterward, students shadowed three professionals of their choice. When conducting their shadowing experience, they interviewed professionals in that career position and learned a great deal about all things related to the career they were shadowing. Students shadowed professionals in the medical field, architecture and construction, engineering, design, military personnel, law and the judicial system, first responders, accounting, veterinary medicine, information technology, and so many more.  

Saint James School’s Career Week Program allows students to explore careers they might be interested in; which in turn, helps students with course selections in high school and also college choices. Our students truly enjoy going out into the workforce and learning about life beyond middle and high school!

Caleb Hendrick shadowing Sonny Bullock at River Region Technical Solutions

Breyonna McKinnon shadowing Dr. Nelson at Taylor Crossing Hospital

Tatum Richard shadowing laboratory technicians at Tuskegee University

Chase Perry, Luke Catchings, and Jimmy Dickens shadowing Lt. Col. Catchings at Maxwell Airforce Base

Mary Ann Coon shadowing Dr. Drew at Smiles from Us

Bailey Woods shadowing Mrs. Suzy Browning, Preschool teacher

Grace Kim and Kiera Thompson shadowing Mrs. Evelyn Shoults, art teacher

Breyonna McKinnon shadowing Dr. Nelson at Taylor Crossing Hospital

Eli Sommer shadowing Gene Cody, Realtor

Tatum Richard shaowing Dr. Henderson at Willis Animal Clinic

Tatum Richard shadowing Dr. Cheryl Davis at Tuskegee University

Jimmy Dickens shadowing Dr. Davis at Smiles From Us

Olivia Patrick shadowing Ms. Brooke Mullins, teacher at Garrett Elementary School

Caleb Hendrick shadowing Anwar Shahid, CEO of Propelled Technologies

Sophie Shoults shadowing Dr. Dunn at Just for Grins

Jimmy Dickens shadowing James Dickens, attorney

Bridget Shaffer shadowing Brad Armagost, Executive Vice President of CB&S Bank and bank associates.

Abigail Huynh and Jaidyn Simmons shadowing Dr.

Emily Needham shadowing Dr. Harbin at Partners for Pets

Peyton Dees shadowing Dr. Owen, orthodontist

Macy Potts shadowing Dr. Heather Castleberry at Parkway Animal Hospital in Auburn, AL

Isabella Pappas shadowing Pat Harris, Secretary of the Alabama Senate