Vocational Day gives Midland students hands-on look at community careers

High school students from across Midland County spent a day exploring career paths and workplaces throughout the community as part of the Midland Noon Rotary Club’s first Vocational Day. The day was created to help students understand post-graduation opportunities and connect classroom learning to real-world professions.

The daylong initiative paired students with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public service agencies. This allowed them to tour facilities, job-shadow professionals, and learn about careers available within Midland County.

Chris Velasquez, past Rotary president, says the event was inspired by a vocational program launched by Rotary clubs in Bay City and became a goal for the Midland club two years ago. He credited Amy Jaster and Theresa George with bringing the effort to fruition.

Velasquez also outlined Rotary’s long-standing commitment to vocational service, a principle dating back to the organization’s founding in 1905. Rotary’s emphasis on vocational diversity and ethical leadership, he says, encourages professionals to contribute to their communities through service.

“Service above self” and “He profits most who serves best” remain guiding mottos for the organization, reflecting Rotary’s belief that ethical business practices and community service are closely connected.

Grant Murschel, director of Career and Technical Education for the Midland County Educational Service Agency, says Vocational Day is part of a broader effort to expand career exploration and workforce readiness opportunities for students.

“We know that an individual morning can completely change the trajectory of someone’s future,” Murschel says. “Sometimes learning what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding what you do.”

Students spent the day visiting a variety of locations. Some toured nonprofit organizations with the United Way of Midland County, exploring Family and Children’s Services, Phoenix Community Farms, and food pantries at Windover High School and Memorial Presbyterian Church. They learned how nonprofit partners collaborate to serve the community.

Other students visited cultural institutions and businesses, such as the Midland Center for the Arts, where they observed behind-the-scenes roles in marketing, human resources, and operations that support performances and events.

Some students explored careers in finance, healthcare, and skilled trades. Others visited occupational and physical therapy providers to learn about the differences between the two fields and the educational paths required for each.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring local professionals from education, law enforcement, sports marketing, and industry, who spoke with students about career paths, post-graduation options, and the importance of remaining flexible.

“There are many pathways after high school,” says Lori Pritchard, a college and career adviser with the Midland Area Community Foundation. “You can’t compare your path to somebody else’s. Yours is yours for a reason.”

Pritchard outlined options including community college certificate programs, associate degrees, four-year universities, military service, entering the workforce, and taking a gap year. She encouraged students to take advantage of available resources and continue asking questions as they explore careers.

Midland Police Chief Nicole Ford encouraged students to think broadly about careers in public service and city government.

“You name it, we have it within the city,” Ford says. “Look outside of the everyday box that you might be exposed to and check out other options.”

Matt DeVries, director of marketing, entertainment, and storytelling for the Great Lakes Loons, emphasized the importance of mentorship and learning through experience.

“It’s OK to fail,” DeVries says. “The sun’s going to come up tomorrow, and the world’s going to be OK. Having strong mentors and relationships makes all the difference.”

Connor Dunlap, a former Dow High School student now working in the automotive industry, reminded students that career decisions do not have to be immediate.

“You don’t have to figure out what you want to do right away,” Dunlap says. “Just keep learning and keep looking.”

Panelists also stressed the value of building professional relationships and reflecting on hands-on experiences. Pritchard encouraged students to follow up with the professionals they met.

“A genuine thank-you email never goes out of style,” she says.

The Midland Noon Rotary Club says it plans to continue Vocational Day as an annual event, expanding partnerships and providing more students with opportunities to explore careers and connect with professionals across Midland County.