New Visions student Adalie Leggett (left) of Schodack CSD shares her resume with Daria Askari (right) and Dan Miller (center) of Questar III’s HR Department.
Questar III BOCES New Visions: Pathways in Education students recently participated in mock interviews with the organization’s talent acquisition specialist, Daria Askari, and human resources assistant, Dan Miller. With Askari and Miller regularly hiring educators, teaching assistants (TA), and other education-related professionals, it was a great exercise for students aspiring to work in education.
Askari first visited the program to discuss resume writing, including the type of information to include, best practices, and the importance of keeping them neat and structurally organized. He also shared the concept of a resume being a living document, always changing and being updated.
“Some of my students didn’t even have a resume,” shared Tara Tolan, New Visions: Pathways in Education teacher. “Having someone from our HR department walking them through what they look for in resumes from teachers and TAs gave students an inside look and a good start. It’s truly a full circle, having our HR department come in, and then students applying for positions within Questar III and being accepted!”
Hannah Hilbert (left), New Visions student from Ichabod Crane CSD listens as Questar III’s Daria Askari (right) offers tailored resume advice.
After students had time to build or update their resumes using the new tools they learned, Askari and Miller had one-on-one conversations with each student, as if they had found the Questar III table at a job fair. During these conversations, they reviewed the students’ updated resumes and offered suggestions on strengthening them. They also reiterated the importance of a firm handshake, eye contact, and strong communication skills.
“I’ve never been interviewed like that before,” said Ava Muller, New Visions: Pathways in Education student from Rensselaer CSD. “It was good insight into a real-world interview. Just knowing the kind of questions they were asking and how to present yourself. I definitely think it was helpful.”
It is not uncommon for non-instructional staff to collaborate with our programs. In fact, it is something that is encouraged by the organization and reflected in its mission statement of changing lives, realizing dreams, and doing together what can’t be done alone.
“When I think of things that I want to do with my students, it’s really nice to have the variety of staff that we do, to reach out to someone within the organization before going elsewhere,” shared Tolan. “Chances are, I can find someone who is certified, qualified, and willing to come in and teach or train the kids. It’s really helpful to have them so close.”
While many students already have plans for summer employment, Askari and Miller shared an opportunity to apply for Questar III BOCES’ Extended School Year (ESY), a 6-week summer position working with our exceptional learners. They were also encouraged to reach out over school breaks for subbing opportunities.
“We would love it if they came back to us, that would be the dream,” shared Askari. “But we are here to support them in their dreams. We like to make sure that the door is always open, and they can always explore working for us, either through our ESY program, subbing, or later on after they’ve wrapped up college, taking their first steps in the education space.”
As the school year is winding down, students are preparing for the end of the program, including taking the New York State Teaching Assistant Certification exam. This certification allows students to work immediately after high school as a teaching assistant, while also saving them time and money if they obtained it on their own.
“I’m really appreciative to Mrs. Tolan for giving us all of these opportunities and guiding us along the way,” said Alex Burgazoli, New Visions: Pathways in Education student from Averill Park CSD. “She’s really made sure that we’re going to be prepared for our future.”
If you’re interested in a resume consultation or a career with Questar III BOCES, consider attending our Third Thursday Mini Job Fair, held on the third Thursday of each month at our main office in Castleton, NY. Learn more about our HR Department and career opportunities at Questar.org/careers.