OFFERING STUDENT EXPERIENCES
A GUIDE FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS:
GUEST SPEAKER
OVERVIEW
Featuring guest speakers in the classroom provides an opportunity for high school students to learn about a business, its industry sector, its role in the economy, and careers in the industry.
GOALS
Create an opportunity for high school students to learn about a business, its industry sector, its role in the economy
Help to inspire and illuminate the pathway options for high school students that lead to fulfilling careers
Sharing stories from professional experience or demonstrating the practical use of knowledge can enhance classroom learning.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT STUDENT EXPERIENCE?
We know there’s a lot to consider in planning experiences that are beneficial to both students and our business community, our ever-changing world of work, so see this as a collaborative planning process! As a guest speaker or panelist, creating an impactful learning experience for students requires thoughtful preparation and an understanding of educational best practices.
Relatability & Relevance
Guest speakers are invited to bring perspective into the classroom by sharing first-hand experiences and real-world expertise that resonate with high school students, inspiring and connecting with them on a personal level. Guest speakers are encouraged to tailor their presentations and ensuring the content is age-appropriate, relatable, and captivating.
Interactive Content
Engaging speakers involve students actively through Q&A during the session, group discussions, or other activities. We encourage speakers to talk with teachers in advance about the students’ learning styles and progress to discuss engaging activities that encourage participation and critical thinking.
Passion & Enthusiasm
A great speaker exudes passion for their subject, igniting curiosity and motivating students to explore new ideas and opportunities. In addition to career achievements, it could be helpful for students to hear about experiences along the way that helped you understand what you did and didn’t want in a career.
EVENT DAY
Overall, a great guest speaker experience for high school students involves a well-structured, informative and interactive presentation that allows students to hear about a potential career field.
We asked JCPS students and educators what they wanted to do, hear, and learn from this experience; use these as objectives in planning:
Understand your mission and the services/products your company provides. Explain why the company chose to partner with the school, demonstrating a commitment to education and community engagement.
Cover available jobs at various skill levels, from entry to upper management, and explain why the company values its partnership with the school.
Incorporate engaging elements like appropriate responses to student questions, interactive tasks, and group activities to enhance student involvement.
Deliver engaging content and insights into current challenges the company is addressing, along with a description of the work environment.
Make a connection to the type of skills needed to work in the industry and connect the work with the type of post secondary education needed for the various jobs.
We kindly ask that you do not:
Speak with disrespectful or negative commentary, use bad language, or give information that is too personal.
Arrive unprepared or unmotivated; show a slide deck with just words and the speaker reading directly from them.
Plan a short, rushed event without time to fully hear, learn, and ask questions about the company.
AFTER THE EVENT
Spread the word on social media! See links below.
Follow up & continued guidance:
Providing resources, further information, or guidance on potential next steps, such as internships, educational paths, or industry-related events, extends the impact beyond the tour day.
Networking Opportunities: Encouraging students to network with other professionals or employees in related roles within the organization can broaden their understanding of different career pathways.
Start planning your next student engagement activity! See more guides to creating student experiences here.
EXAMPLES FROM BUSINESS PARTNERS
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Students in the Cyber Engineering pathway at Fairdale High School heard from guest speakers about various options for careers in IT/cybersecurity
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Students in the Business & Education Academy at Doss High School heard from a variety of guest speakers during their special "Financial Field Day" event.
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Students in the Business and Industry Academy at Valley High School saw behind-the-scenes and heard from a guest speaker with UPS.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Engaging with high school students requires an understanding of their developmental stage, learning preferences, and the social dynamics that influence their behavior and engagement in the classroom. High school students are typically between the ages of 14 and 18, a period marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Consider these key characteristics below, and you can find more tips on working with this age group here:
Cognitive Growth: Students are developing critical thinking skills and the ability to understand abstract concepts. They benefit from learning opportunities that challenge them to solve problems and think independently.
Learning Preferences: High schoolers have varied learning styles, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing preferences. Effective instruction incorporates diverse teaching methods to cater to these different styles.
Social Dynamics: Peer relationships and social interactions play a significant role in a student's life, influencing their self-esteem, motivation, and engagement with learning.
Seeking Autonomy: This age group is striving for independence and identity formation. They respond well to being treated with respect and being given opportunities to make choices about their learning.
Digital Natives: Most high school students are very comfortable with technology and digital platforms, which can be powerful tools for enhancing learning and engagement.
CELEBRATE & SPREAD THE WORD!
We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about the amazing work happening inside our schools, and we’d in turn like to celebrate you! Please use the links below to tag us on social media, and we also encourage you to celebrate your employee’s work by sharing in your company newsletter or employee communications.
Need inspiration? Check out our social media guide here.
