Every day is an interview

Brooks Harper, a renowned career development expert, author and speaker, spent a day with students of area schools last week. The topic of the day was setting them up for success in school, work and life.

East Central Center for Exceptional Children, the special education unit serving New Rockford-Sheyenne, Carrington, Fessenden-Bowdon, Pingree-Buchanan and Kensal Schools, sponsored the event at Carrington High School on Tuesday, April 27.

The program was paid for by a grant from the Transition Services Discretionary Funds Project of the Office of Special Education at N.D. Department of Public Instruction, called "Learning for a Lifetime." East Central Director Ashly Wolsky successfully wrote the proposal, which focused on self-advocacy and self-determination.

High school students at each of East Central's member schools were invited to participate in the opening keynote, which was centered around Harper's book, "7 Skills To Make Mills." Vickie Becvar, East Central's Transitional Coordinator, introduced Harper. Her role at East Central is to help students build the skills they need to successfully transition to work after high school, and Harper's presentation fits the bill.

Harper's high-energy approach to outlining the basic skills students need to earn money in the workplace was quite engaging. He said students spend 1,400 hours of 8,700 per year in school, and have 7,200 hours to do other things. "What are you doing in your off-time?" Harper asked, touching on the importance of building their "resumé" by getting involved in extracurricular activities, joining student clubs and organizations, volunteering their time and working part-time jobs.

He encouraged students to see their own value and learn to articulate it to others. "Never let anyone focus on what you don't have," he said. He also touched on first impressions, proper handshakes and social media etiquette. "Your name is your brand," he declared. "Think before you post."

Harper has spoken to more than 200,000 students on hundreds of high school and college campuses throughout the U.S. In his books, speeches and coaching sessions, he delivers actionable steps using fun acronyms, illustrated with impactful real-life stories.

After the keynote session, 50 students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Harper in two follow-up, break out sessions. The first centered around the book "Why Should We Hire You?" and keyed in on interview skills the students need to get and keep a job. Harper said he aspires to the belief that every day is an interview, and the most important thing to remember is that "in order to GET, you have to ASK." He reviewed and gave feedback on resumés submitted by five seniors and conducted mock interviews. Students also had the opportunity to ask Harper questions.

After lunch, students learned stress management techniques in the "Just C-H-I-L-L" break out session. "It is widely reported that today's generation is the most anxious and stressed in human history," Harper says. "Students need to learn to CHILL." Harper's session focused on simple ways students can manage stress in their daily lives. Among them was by giving back to others. "Giving of your time, treasure and talent is one of the most rewarding and stress-relieving exercises you can do," he says. "Every time I give out of what I have, to something or a great cause, it feels so good. I call it giving living."

The students also received a trove of prizes, donated by area businesses, service clubs and state agencies. All of the door prizes had career-related information tags prepared by Vickie Becvar. Some highlighted an occupation and continuing education program at a North Dakota institution they could pursue to obtain that occupation, while others contained interview tips that addressed proper hygiene and appearance. The top prize was the opportunity to "dress for success," as 12 students were randomly selected to go shopping for interview apparel either online or in-store.