Over seventy 11th and 12th grade student leaders from across the district stepped out of their comfort zones and joined a group of career partner volunteers to participate in Highline’s annual Speed Networking Event at the beautiful Glen Acres Golf & Country Club in Seattle. Glen Acres sponsored the event and simulated a real-world networking setting filled with linen tablecloths, place settings, and delicious appetizers and refreshments so students could mingle with career partners and learn about the traits of a young professional.
The event was packed with engaging speakers -- all of whom were Highline alumni -- as well as interactive presentations that helped students learn about the importance of networking, etiquette in social settings, and how to craft a strong, authentic elevator pitch. Not only did students get to practice their elevator pitches with a variety of career professionals in the beautiful space at Glen Acres, they also got to share their college and career aspirations and connect with peers.
Career partners and students all had overwhelmingly positive feedback to share about the event, as did the presenters. 91% of students said this experience helped them think about school in a new way or inspired them to do better in school.
One Highline High School student reflected, "I learned that it is important to care about your high school career because it is the foundation of your future." 97% said this career experience helped them better understand their future interests and plans after high school.
“I saw professionals in careers that I'm interested in and got connections to those people,” a Mt. Rainier High School student shared.
99% said we should offer this event again in the future. "Loved every second of it," an Evergreen High School student shared.
Students were also able to see how networking is relevant to high school success and beyond. Teddy Maclemore, a junior at Mt. Rainier High School shared, “The speakers encouraged me to stay focused and persevere throughout school.”
Career partners also remarked how valuable these types of career connected learning experiences are for young people, and how getting access to them in high school is even better. Presenter, Highline alumnus and College Success Foundation staff member DJ Jigre shared, “It is so incredible to see students learn a life skill that will stay with them for life."
Both Highline staff and students were grateful for the phenomenal support career partners provided at the event. “Everyone was very helpful and it showed they really cared about our future,” said one Tyee High School student. Partners were equally impressed by the students’ goals and leadership skills and were thrilled by the opportunity to watch them shine.
Highline Public Schools would like to thank Glen Acres Golf & Country Club Board of Directors and its staff for its generous support and sponsorship.