It was another exciting day of authentic learning for Becker Middle School students last Tuesday, as over 30 presenters joined students and staff for the annual Career Day.

The goal of the day is to allow middle school aged students the chance to be exposed to a number of careers, and to learn about the educational requirements and job opportunities in different fields.

“Our students are just beginning to explore their interests and what they might like to do after their school careers,” Principal Chantel Boyer said. “Career Day is an important, authentic experience that allows each student the chance to start dreaming about their future.”

Students spent the afternoon listening to a variety of speakers from across the employment spectrum.  Some positions required four year degrees, while other presenters studied in two year programs. There were other speakers who spoke of careers which required no post-secondary degree, as those speakers highlighted the military, as well as union apprenticeship programs. In all, students were exposed to many different possibilities and had the chance to ask questions about daily routines, compensation and other job satisfaction factors.

“We are so thankful and appreciative to have volunteers from our community speaking to our students about their careers,” added Assistant Principal Ted Aleckson. “Our students get excited and line up at classroom doors to hear about careers they may be interested in or are already passionate about.  We have been fortunate to have such a wide range of careers available to learn about for all our students.”

Boyer said that the Career Day experience is a natural extension of the exploratory model of education wherein middle school students are exposed to many different areas of interest. From there, students can tailor their high school classes and extra-curricular choices to areas they might pursue beyond their K-12 experience.

“We know that the incredible speakers we have on this day help students to begin to have those conversations at home,” Boyer said. “It’s been a very popular afternoon and we hear from the students and parents that they are appreciative of the opportunity.”

2022 Becker Middle School Career Day Presenters: Razaan Byrne, Pediatrician; Brent Baloun, Police Chief; Paul Spinner, M.D., Amanda Mahoney, RN and Joanna Mauch, CMA, CentraCare; Matt and Lindsay Marquette, Real Estate Entrepreneurs; Mary McGowan and Lynne Crandall, Realtors; Mike Ganz, and several union trades workers (Pipefitters, Roofers, Electricians, Carpenters and Painter); Emma Schreifels, Target Corp Software Engineer; Steve Doran, SCSO Chief Deputy; Dr. Brent Scheideman, Chiropractor; Brandon Buesgens, Chiropractor; Dr. Eron Bordson, Chiropractor; Ryan and Seth Hubbard, Hubbard Electric; Mikki Ahsenmacher, Event Planner; Kathleen Heaney, Sherburne County Attorney; Trent Seamans, MN DNR Conservation Officer; CJ Giles and Dan Holland, Pipefitters; Dr. Becky Hanson, Orthodontist; Zach Gardner, MN National Guard, Volunteer Firefighter and IT Specialist; Evan Krone, Ecolab Human Resources; Garrett Williams, G&M Outdoor Services; John Watrin, Elite Concrete; Kyle Buchholz, Throwback Swimbaits; Mike Swedal, Custom Car Restoration; Brian Johnson, Wright County Sheriff’s Office; Brian Murrell, Sales/Project Management, Max Graske, Musician.