CLC News The news and events from Central Lakes College
Everyone has heard of speed dating, right? But speed networking? Well, the new concept became a reality April 14 at CLC for some are high school students interested in the health care field.
Twenty health care professionals from around the Brainerd lakes area were at the Brainerd CLC campus for the event, which was hosted by the college and the College of St. Scholastica.
More than 120 high school students came from Brainerd, Staples, Pillager, Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Royalton.
The event was set up in the “speed dating” format. One health care professional sat at a table, and a group of five or six students got a chance to interact with them.
But it didn’t last long. Five minutes in, the bell rang and the group of students moved on to the next professional.
“We want our area’s students to make thoughtful and informed decisions about their future,” said Paul Preimesberger, director of Secondary Relations at CLC. “An event like this gives students the opportunity to talk with career and education professionals in a single experience. They make connections and acquire insights into career and education pathways they didn’t have previously.”
Amie Anderson, admissions counselor with the College of St. Scholastica, said two important things happened at the event: 1. Professionals were able to share personal stories of their educational and professional journey with students and give advice to those that may want to enter their career field. 2. Students learned about the educational and professional resources available to them in this area.
“We feel confident that students left the event with broadened perspectives about the scope of the healthcare industry and an understanding that the journey to a career in healthcare can begin right here,” she said.
The first-time event will likely be built upon and expanded in the future.
