Sneak Peak at Career Labs
By Hazel Nava and Isabel Moorman
Over the course of a month, there have been multiple opportunities for students at MHS to express themselves and become informed on possible future career paths. This opportunity was given through the Career Lab Series. Professionals across Vermont contributed their time in order to teach and inform students about their careers.
Though there were many labs this semester, in this article, we will talk specifically about two, one focused on metrology and the other on public relations.
The first career lab was focused on public relations. Sydney Boardman and Josie Gingold presented an informational slideshow on November 18th where they showed what they do at their work, Juniper Public Relations, but more specifically how they got to where they are now.
While both Sydney and Josie love their jobs, Sydney was not always sure about what she wanted to do. As she went into college, she learned that she was interested in PR. Eventually, she moved to Vermont and heard about Junapr, which led her to the job she has today.
Junapr is a public relations and communications firm, located in Charlotte, VT. This firm has gained an events management firm to join them, along with a social media firm. Junapr offers various services by working with clients across the world, and though it isn’t a specific industry, Junapr works with a more general range of products, along with a wide range of Public Relations work.
Meanwhile, Josie, who has always been interested in writing, had a quicker path to her job today. Her freshman year at college she majored in journalism, and afterward took a strategic communication course connected to PR. After this course, she switched majors to public communications at UVM.
Both stated that public relations includes lots of research, writing, collaborating and communicating to others, especially through email. They also believe that PR is a great way to express creativity, as each day is new and different.
Another career lab featured was meteorology.
On Tuesday, December 10th, Jessica Langlois and Gary Sadowsky, local WCAX meteorologists, talked to students about their career paths and what it is like to be a meteorologist.
Jess's passion for meteorology began at a young age, sparked by a fascination with events like tornadoes and other natural disasters.
She pursued her interest by studying atmospheric science at Lyndon State College. After graduating with her degree, she first worked as a weekend meteorologist in Wisconsin. After two years, she joined WCAX in Vermont, where she currently works as a meteorologist, overseeing the 4:00 pm broadcast and contributing to graphic design and tech work.
Gary, a colleague at WCAX, made a midlife career change from managing a bike shop to meteorology after a marathon's weather forecast went drastically wrong. He, too, attended Lyndon State College and has worked at WCAX for over 25 years.
Both Jess and Gary's careers reflect the diverse opportunities within meteorology, from TV forecasting, to roles in the National Weather Service, aviation, transportation, forensics and environmental work. The field requires strong skills in science and math, with specific focuses on calculus and physics. For those interested in broadcast meteorology, Lyndon State College offers specialized training in using radar, green screens and reporting techniques.
Meteorologists must constantly adapt to new weather models and technologies, including AI integration, while also engaging with the community through outreach and public events. The field of meteorology is constantly evolving and there are many different opportunities.
The Career Lab Series provides local students with the opportunity to discover different possible careers.
To sign up for a career lab email Heather Mclane or Ryan McCornick