From Hospital Studios to Airplane Hangars: Students Explore Dynamic Career Paths
On February 13th, twenty-one Project Success students from Minneapolis high schools joined a Project Success Career Tour on their day off school. Students had the option of choosing a tour to either The Star Studio at the Children’s Hospital Minnesota or with Delta TechOps at the MSP Airport. Project Success Career Tours provide opportunities for students to expand their personal concepts of professions within a particular industry. Thanks to our wonderful partners and high engagement from the students participating, each tour was a great way for students to learn about potential career paths from industry experts. Read on for the highlights from each of the tours!
Lights, Camera, Careers: Star Studio Tour at Children’s Minnesota
This career tour kicked off at Project Success headquarters with an engaging workshop led by PS Facilitator, Clayton Delp. Students had a chance to reflect on what they knew about video production and healthcare fields and identified areas they didn’t know as much about and wanted to explore on the tour. Before leaving for the tour, Clayton displayed the hospital’s core values for the students and asked them to choose one value they would lean into throughout the day. Each student thoughtfully selected a value that resonated with them and then brought that with them into the tour – a way to frame the experience they were about to have.
A highlight of the day was a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital’s broadcast program. Students were welcomed by “The Dude,” Eriq Nelson, who hosts live videos for patients at Children’s. Eric hosted a Q&A panel featuring a producer, a program manager, and the broadcast specialist. They candidly shared what their day-to-day work looks like, their education and training, how they found their way to this unique career path, and what they love most about the work they do. Students asked thoughtful questions of the panelists as they painted a picture of how creativity, media, and healthcare intersect. After the career panel, students then got to participate in and help host a game of live Bingo which was facilitated for the patients of the hospital.
After the broadcast production, students then met with a dietician, a therapy dog handler, a music therapist and a child life specialist. Conversations with each of these employees highlighted for the students that are many creative and therapeutic career opportunities in healthcare that operate – sometimes behind-the-scenes – and all contribute to patient healing and wellbeing. “I found out that there were careers at a hospital that aren’t just ‘doctor’ or ‘nurse,’” shared an 11th grade student from South High School.
For one 12th grade student from Washburn High School, the day felt especially meaningful, as she recently applied to the music therapy program at the University of Minnesota. For her, a chance to connect directly with a music therapist made her even more excited about her future career path. When asked about takeaways from the tour, a 10th grade student from Camden High School replied, “To chase my dreams.”
Big Hangars, Big Planes, Big Career Exploration at Delta TechOps Center
Before heading to the Delta TechOps Center at MSP Airport, a group of 10 students started the day with a workshop at Project Success led by Facilitator Heidi Hafermann. The students were prompted to consider different roles in aviation, from maintenance mechanic to flight attendant to pilot and many others. What did they know about this role? What did they want to know? What questions could they ask to explore potential career paths?
With their curiosity primed, the students loaded the bus and headed to Bloomington, where they were greeted by Tom Trenda, a Delta TechOps supervisor. Tom started by giving some of his work history and background and what led to his role at Delta. The first part of the facility tour featured different spaces and fringe benefits, including a medical clinic, fitness center, and cafeteria.
After going through a TSA-style security screening and donning hard hats, the students arrived at the main attraction: some really big planes. As they learned about the different roles and types of work that’s done to make sure planes are safe and in good working order, they also learned about special projects and perks of the job. That included hopping on a special Delta plane chartered just for NBA teams and standing by the enormous engine of an Airbus A350. “It was really cool to see all the planes and how they are maintained,” said a 9th grade student from Washburn High School.
While the tour continued through the massive Delta TechOps facility, including maintenance areas and parts storage, PS staff had the chance to check in with students one-on-one, offering support and coaching to make the most of the tour and career exploration.
Tom ended the tour with lunch for everyone in the cafeteria, answering students’ questions about how he uses his free flying privileges, big repair jobs in different parts of the world, and what students can do now to start pursuing a career in aviation.
Afterward, students reflected on what they learned and what it could mean for their futures. While some learned that airline operations wasn’t for them, others were interested in exploring more. “I’m definitely going to apply and [let them know] I am interested in working with airplanes,” reflected a 12th grade student from Roosevelt High School. When students have a chance to step into real-world environments, like a hospital or an airplane hangar, and talk with working professionals about their paths to their current careers, it gives students an opportunity to think about their futures in a tangible way. Seeing the diverse roles available at each organization firsthand allows students to imagine where their own interests and talents might lead.