JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The JBER School Liaison Office hosted a job shadowing program allowing high school students to explore a career field, May 4, 2017.
More than 25 students from Eagle River and Bartlett High schools participated in this program, along with five job hosts from across JBER to introduce the students to a variety of career fields.
“This job shadow event gives a student an opportunity to shadow professionals throughout the JBER community,” said Adele Daniels, JBER school liaison officer. “[It lets them] experience a specific career of interest by observing an employee perform normal work duties at his or her place of employment.”
This year’s event focused on sophomores, juniors and seniors, with participating job hosts from aviation, veterinary services, medical, engineering, child development, and security forces.
“It gives students a real-world view of an occupation or career field, but more importantly, it allows them to ask questions of someone who currently works in that field,” Daniels added. “This interaction assists students as they make plans after high school for either college or a career-fields path.”
One student from Bartlett High School, Aaron Regevig, is thinking of joining the military and wanted to learn more about the security forces career field.
During the job shadowing, Aaron, son of Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Regevig from the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, said he had fun participating in the program.
Daniels suggests [students] who are interested in the program start by considering what interests them.
“Someone who loves the outdoors could study environmental science or engineering,” Daniels said. “Someone who has a love for animals may want to look at veterinary science or zoology. Our passions as young people often lead us to our future careers.”
“The time commitment is short - only a few hours - and you may enjoy the experience,” Daniels said. “It may help you decide what you want to pursue after high school.”
Students interested in future job-shadowing events on JBER, should contact the School Liaison Office at 384-7500 or 384-1505.