Career Development Day Helps Teens Look to the Future

Career Development Day, held at the Pleasanton Senior Center on Feb. 5, encouraged students to look toward the future despite a troubled economy.

Some rooms at the senior center featuring speakers. One large hall was occupied by about a dozen job vendors with booths advertising various job opportunities.

In the past, the job fair, now known as Career Development Day, has drawn around 50 vendors.

"That's why we call it a Career Development Day instead of a job fair," said Becky Hopkins, a Pleasanton Recreation Supervisor and the project coordinator for the event. "There are far fewer vendors than in other years."

Instead, the Career Development Day focuses more on preparing teens for the future, offering classes on managing finances, writing a resume, and interview etiquette, among others.

"It's so hard for them [teens] to get jobs," said Carol Lopez, a leader in the San Ramon/Dublin Women's Club, because adults are now taking jobs that used to be occupied by teenagers, such as working at a fast food restaurant.

“We know they have come and gotten education that will help them,” said Lopez.

One of the more popular sessions was a class teaching teens how to behave in an interview, whether with a college admissions officer or a potential employer. About 55 people attended one of these classes, leaving standing room only.

"The handshake expresses your personality," Shashi Dosaj told the audience. "It says who you are.”

She proceeded to demonstrate the proper handshaking technique with Foothill High junior Clayton Tomic, and went on to describe other important elements of an interview.

One of the important resources at the event was the One-Stop Career Center center in Pleasanton. This resource, typically used by unemployed adults searching for a job, is also available to teenagers looking for career options.

"We suggest [teens] be entrepreneurial," said Heike Gecox, who was manning the One-Stop Career Center booth along with Pat Donovan. "Safety comes first. And get your parents involved."

Despite hard economic times, some vendors continue to draw on the teen population for employees. Rebecca Patterson of Reflections spa and studio likes to hire teens to work as receptionists and or assistants during classes and events.

“I provide education for them,” she said.

Other vendors at the event included Tri Valley Swim America and the Pleasanton Police Department.

"[Teens] ask about motivation," said Captain Dave Spiller. "As municipal employees, our product is service. That's different from other jobs."

Teens at the event couldn't help planning out their careers.

Tomic said he hopes to one day pursue a career in science or the justice system.

"I plan to take classes in science and law [in college]," he said, "I'm leaning towards science."

Although Tomic already has a job teaching dance, he said, "I thought it would be a good idea to come and see what it's all about." 

The event was held in partnership with the city of Pleasanton, San Ramon and Dublin, as well as the Dublin/San Ramon Women's Club, which provided volunteers to staff the event.