The Junior Job Shadow, usually scheduled for the end of may, has been cancelled. Instead, a one-block mini career fair will be held on March 19 during advisory in the library. This cancellation follows budget cuts that reduced faculty size.
Originally, the Junior Job Shadow was a day when juniors explored the life of someone in their desired career. Filling out registration forms and contacting companies usually began at least one month before, and juniors had the liberty to shadow any profession they pleased.
“I really enjoyed the job shadow to be honest,” senior Henry Margetts said. “It seemed like an annoying hindrance to me at first but once I did it, it was really worth the effort. Not only did I get to work in a cool dental practice but I also got to come back there over the summer and intern again because of the job shadow.”
The goals of the Job Shadow included gaining more information about careers, future jobs, education, and the technical aspects required of a possible career.
However, according to school counselor Samantha DeMagistris, the school counseling team lacks sufficient support to continue the Job Shadow, especially after losing a counselor due to budget cuts.
Juniors aren’t the only ones affected by this staff deficit. The Career Exploration Breakfast for sophomores and juniors, where professionals talk to interested students about their careers, has also been cut. Despite the cuts, new events and programs have been established.
“While we’re moving away from single events like Job Shadow Day and the Career Breakfast, the new tools we’re providing, like the Career Connections Fair, Career Interest surveys, and the senior Capstone, actually offer more flexibility,” DeMagistris said. “Instead of one assigned day, [students] have a variety of pathways to connect what [they’re] learning now to [their] future major or career.”
Westford Academy has partnered with MassHire to host the Career Connections Fair. The entire Career Fair will take place during the advisory block, from 11:11 a.m. to 12:29 p.m. After juniors attend first lunch, advisories will go to the Career Fair at staggered intervals, with each advisory in the library for about one lunch block.
“We’re going to have different advisories attend up in the library if they want. It’s not required for all. While we would love to host a huge career fair, that’s a bigger undertaking, and we don’t have the staff for that,” DeMagistris said.
At the fair, there will be ten to twelve companies involved in health care, real estate, defense contracting, law, carpentry, and physical therapy. MassHire and Job Corps, two government programs with employment opportunities for young people, will also have their own tables to talk with students.
The Junior Job Shadow and Career Fair differ in their funding, timing, hands-on experience, and diversity of jobs. According to junior Lily Wan, many juniors are feeling disappointed by the changes.
“I think the Junior Job Shadow cut is a huge missed opportunity for those who are going to be seniors next year,” Wan said. “Many of us were looking forward to be able to attain skills and learn from the experience.”
However, there are alternative solutions that students can pursue to satisfy their desire to explore new careers.
“The best way to navigate these changes is to become your own advocate. You don’t have to wait for a scheduled event to start getting answers,” DeMagistris said. “Your teachers and counselors are a huge resource, so ask them about their own professional journeys. Our doors are always open, come see your counselor, ask questions, and let’s make sure your junior year is as impactful as you planned it to be.”