Central Lakes College recently hosted a speed networking event in hopes it would connect high school students with area professionals in the health care field.
On April 14, high school students from Brainerd, Staples, Pillager, Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Royalton met with 20 health care professionals from the Brainerd lakes area at CLC's Brainerd campus.
The event, hosted by the college and the College of St. Scholastica, brought in more than 120 area high schoolers.
The event was set up in a speed dating format, with one health care professional at a table, joined by a group of five or six students. After 5 minutes, a bell rang and the students were on to the next professional.
"We want our area's students to make thoughtful and informed decisions about their future," said Paul Preimesberger, director of secondary relations at CLC, in a news release. "An event like this gives students the opportunity to talk with career and education professionals in a single experience. They make connections and acquire insights into career and education pathways they didn't have previously."
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Two important things happened at the event, Amie Anderson, admissions counselor with the College of St. Scholastica, said in a news release. Professionals were able to share personal stories of their educational and professional journey with students and give advice to those that may want to enter their career field. Also, students learned about the educational and professional resources available to them in this area.
"We feel confident that students left the event with broadened perspectives about the scope of the healthcare industry and an understanding that the journey to a career in healthcare can begin right here," she said.
The first-time event will likely be built upon and expanded in the future.
