Opportunities for Businesses in the New School Year

There is something energizing about the start of a new school year fresh notebooks ready to be filled with notes; sharpened pencils (do kids still use pencils, or is that too old-school?); new schedules and new possibilities that excite us with the idea that it is time to learn, grow and take on the next challenge.

While most of us in the business community may be well beyond our school days, “Back to School” offers a timely reminder that learning—and leadership—should never really end.

Strong leaders remain students throughout their careers. They ask questions, seek out new ideas, listen to people with different experiences than their own, and recognize that yesterday’s solution may not solve tomorrow’s problems. Whether we are running a small business, managing a large team, serving customers, or volunteering in our community, there is always something new to learn.

The beginning of the school year also presents opportunities for businesses to invest in the next generation of leaders.

Students in our community are thinking about careers much earlier than they once did. They need opportunities to see what happens inside local businesses,  meet area professionals, understand the skills employers value, and discover that rewarding careers are available right here at home.

Businesses can help make those connections.

Some ways to engage the next generation of workforce:

  • Consider welcoming students for a job shadowing experience
  • Participating in a career fair
  • Offer an internship
  • Speaking to a classroom
  • Provide a workplace tour
  • Set up a meet-and-greet during school lunch periods
  • Support school activities

These experiences may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact. A conversation with a local business owner can introduce a student to a career they never knew existed. An internship can turn classroom knowledge into practical experience. A mentor can help a young person develop confidence, communication and soft skills and a professional network.

And the benefits go both ways.

Engaging with students gives employers an opportunity to introduce young people to their organizations, industries, and culture while building a future talent pipeline. Students also bring fresh perspectives, new technology skills and questions that sometimes cause experienced professionals to look at familiar challenges differently.

The Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation offers career exploration, workforce development, literacy and leadership programs tailored to every grade level, Pre-K through 12.  Businesses can be part of our many programs, planting seeds that may someday bloom into future employees and community leaders, including:

  • Community Reading Day (Pre-K thru 3 grades – April)
  • Touch a Truck (3rd and 4th Grades – May)
  • 5th Grade Career Field Day (May)
  • 7th Grade Agriculture Career Day (October)
  • Business Community and Career Showcase (Jr/Sr High School – October)
  • Youth Leadership Bedford Co. (all school year) & YLBC Summit (10th Grade – April)
  • BASICS Steps to Success (11th and 12th Grades – February)

The Chamber Foundation also offers a BASICS Roundtable luncheon, bringing business and educational leaders together to discuss ways to serve local students and the business community, as well as Educator in the Workplace tours for CTC teachers and college career counselors to make valuable connections for internships, co-op work, and more.

Back-to-school season is also a good time for each of us to consider our own leadership development.

What could you learn this year that would make you a better leader? Is there a skill you have been putting off developing? A book you have been meaning to read? A Chamber program you could attend? A professional connection you could make? Or perhaps there is someone in your organization who is ready for an opportunity to grow.

Leadership is not limited to a title or position. It happens whenever someone chooses to take responsibility, encourage others, solve a problem or help move an organization or community forward. One of the most important responsibilities of established leaders is creating opportunities for others to do the same.

The Chamber Foundation is excited to welcome a new class of Leadership Bedford County, who will begin a year of self-and-community exploration this August. The 27th year of the servant-leadership themed program promises another exciting community service project, to be determined soon.

As students head back to their classrooms this fall, perhaps the business community can head “back to school,” too—not necessarily with backpacks and textbooks, but with renewed curiosity and a commitment to learning, mentoring and developing others.

Our schools are preparing students for the future. Our businesses are creating that future. When education and business work together, we can help ensure the next generation has both the skills and the opportunities to live work, play, prosper, and lead.

So as the school buses return to the roads and another academic year begins, consider your own assignment for the year ahead:

Learn something new. Teach something valuable. Give someone an opportunity. And lead by example.