MIDVALE, UT – Work-Based Learning (WBL) presents numerous speakers talking about their careers at Hillcrest High School in the presentation room every couple of weeks. The speakers always have different careers, each one offering something new for the students to learn. These meetings can teach students better ways to prepare, give them different career options, show them it might take some time to find the right career, and demonstrate the different routes between trade school and college.
High school students are often nervous about their future and what careers they want to pursue. Meet the Pro can take a lot of stress off and help them have a better idea of what they want to do.
Equipment operator/ Engineer Amber Peterson was the most recent professional speaker at Hillcrest. Peterson is a journeyman; essentially, she is in construction.
Peterson demonstrated a work ethic sooner than most. She had two jobs in high school, which almost prevented her from graduating. She ended up finishing high school, and after graduation, she went straight into trade school. She also became involved with Utah Women in Trade.
She goes on to discuss how trade school is a great option for many people, offering numerous career opportunities. Peterson says, “It can take you literally anywhere.”
“As you’re working, start to survey yourself—what are the things that come naturally to you?” Peterson states. No one wants to go into a job that they dread going to every day. It’s very important to take time and figure out what you love doing. So every day, just think about what you’re good at, or something you enjoy doing, and figure out if you can turn it into a career or not.