What does it mean to be a NASA engineer, an oncologist, a priest, or an ATF agent? And, how do you become one? On January 30, The Regis School Middle School students got a sneak peek into many diverse careers represented in the school’s first ever Career Day. Hosted by the Regis Student Council as a kick-off to the Catholic Schools Week, more than fifteen industry experts and leaders shared insights into their careers, the education and qualifications required for each, and how their roles serve the community. Many Regis parents, alumni parents, and friends who represented engineering, oil and gas, space, medicine, priesthood, architecture, law, music, federal agencies, investment banking, trading, and insurance industries participated in the Regis Career Day.
The students learned many lessons in building a successful career – the importance of education, the ability to apply class lessons to individual interest areas, the benefits of teamwork, and the need to be good sons, students, and global citizens. “A good education, selecting a role that interests you the most, and being the best person you can be is fundamental to building a successful career,” was the key message unanimously communicated by all speakers.
The speakers at Regis Career Day included:
- Mr. Jeff Adams, Process Improvement Officer, National Oilwell Varco
- Dr. Luis Camacho, Oncologist
- Mr. Thomas Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer, El Dorado Capital, LLC
- Mr. Marc Delpit, Senior Special Agent, ATF
- Mrs. Judy Docherty, Compliance Officer Specialist, Shell
- Fr. Jude Ekenedilichukwu, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
- Mr. Art Fano, President, MCA Systems
- Marcus Fryer SJ, English and Theology Faculty, Strake Jesuit
- Mr. Daniel George, President, Manhattan Life Insurance Co.
- Mr. George Heathco, Composer and Guitarist
- Dr. Wesley Long, Infectious Diseases
- Mr. Alex Luong, Architect
- Mr. Fisher Reynolds III, Project Manager, United Space Alliance
- Mr. Matthew Schicke, Managing Director, Americas Coal Trading
- Dr. Nancy O. Taylor, Headmistress, The Regis School
- Mr. James Walsh, FBI Agent
Elaborating on the reasons for organizing Career Day, Matthew Leibold, President of The Regis School Student Council said, “It was cool to let the boys hear about what other parents in school did. It gave me an idea about the multiple career options I can choose from.” Regis faculty,Mrs. Patricia Sung and Ms. Lauren Stallings guided the Student Council in organizing this event.
As Regis boys listened to the industry experts, they were inspired to explore and think about the diverse career choices available to make a difference in society. At this stage, if they were uncertain about the role they wanted to pursue, it was alright. “For a long time I didn’t know what to do. Most important thing is to do well in school and figure out what interests you,” assured Mr. James Walsh, FBI agent. Preparation for a successful career began right from 3PK emphasized Mrs. Judy Docherty, Compliance Officer Specialist with Shell. And, what made an individual reap the benefits of a good career, “Whatever you do, you need to love it and do it right. And, you will see that the rewards will be great,” shared Mr. Art Fano, President of MCA Systems.
The speaker presentations were followed by student reflections. Commenting on what he learnt from the various sessions, a sixth grader said, “For every single job you need have a good education.” A sentiment also echoed by another a fifth grader, “You need to work hard, get good grades, and learn little bit of everything.” And, finally, reflecting on how one selects a career, a seventh grader said, “It has to be something you like.”
