– prepares students for streaming, life after school

WITH the intention of enriching and preparing students for life beyond school, the staff of Queen’s College (QC) organised their annual career fair last Thursday at the secondary school’s Thomas Street location.

Miss Melissa Glen, the career fair coordinator and grade nine level supervisor of QC, revealed in an exclusive interview that the initiative was introduced by Miss Gem Rohlehr, a former deputy principal of the school. Miss Glen explained that Miss Rohlehr’s intention was to educate the students of QC and other invited schools about the significance of exploring various career options and paths after graduating.

Furthermore, she elaborated on the unfortunate circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which generated a climate of uncertainty for all individuals. Nevertheless, this did not deter her from strategising for the future. She acknowledged the pivotal role career fairs have assumed in QC’s culture, a tradition that both the management and staff have faithfully adhered to and will perpetuate.

Students of QC and other invited schools interacted and observed some of the work displayed in the respective booths last Thursday  , during the career fair

Miss Glen said, “Unfortunately, during the pandemic and the abruptness of it, Queen’s College was forced to halt activities, and, as such, we were unable to orchestrate our career fair during that time. However, last year we would have restarted our tradition, and as you can see, we continued with it this year.”

Miss Glen emphasised the importance of students grasping the theoretical aspects of their work to enhance their societal functioning. She further acknowledged that not all students will pursue careers in medicine or law, underscoring the value of acquiring additional skills that will positively impact their post-school lives.

“Looking at the hundreds of children that were at the event, I must say that I am very satisfied. Apart from our student population, we had students from schools such as The Bishop’s High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Joseph High, Chase Academy, West Field Primary, and many more.

“At these career fairs, the students have the opportunity to not only observe but also interact and ask questions from the representatives of the different companies that had booths. Being the coordinator of this event wasn’t easy; it was challenging, but looking at the children, their eagerness to learn, and knowing that you are helping to mould their lives is worth the hard work,” Miss Glen added.

The supervisor at the grade nine level also emphasised the importance of preparing students for streaming, which, as she stated, begins at the grade nine level. Miss Glen noted, “In preparation for the streaming of students, there is a need to have a robust career coaching and/or guidance programme, and a career fair also provides that opportunity for the students on an annual basis.”

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With gratitude, Miss Glenn acknowledged the participating companies for their comprehension of the initiative’s significance, which highlights the importance of a village in nurturing and positively influencing the lives of future generations. Additionally, Miss Glen expressed her confidence in the possibility of other companies joining and participating in this endeavour.

Students of QC and other invited schools interacted and observed some of the work displayed in the respective booths last Thursday, during the career fair

According to her, “regarding the response from the companies and the institutions that we invited to participate in the fair, I must say that, overall, I received a positive response, and we at QC would like to thank all the companies for showing up. All the representatives did an excellent job of sensitising all of the students about the nature of their organisations.

“While students were being educated about the nature of organisations, they were also being educated on scholarships in Brazil from the Brazilian Embassy, which was represented, the University of Guyana, and other institutional organisations that apprised students on the various programmes that they have to offer. It is our hope that other companies can come on board so that our children can continue to benefit from initiatives such as these.”

Ultimately, Miss Glen expressed her gratitude to the QC administration, Principal Mrs. Rajkumarie Lall, Deputy Principal Candaice Cave-Stephen, and her colleague Mr. Reaz Roopnarine for their belief in her aptitude and expertise in organising her second career fair at QC. Moreover, she advocated for the cooperation of other schools in their respective regions, suggesting the implementation of similar initiatives to enhance the well-being of their students.