Employers Use Aspire Career Discovery Meetings to Build Early Talent Pipelines
Designated as an intermediary by the Commission for Higher Education, Aspire Johnson County works with local schools to connect students with industry professionals in 30-minute Career Discovery Meetings.
Aspire launched the Career Discovery Meetings initiative with support from the Intermediary Capacity Building grant it received from the State of Indiana which was created in 2023 to address workforce development issues.
“Career Discovery Meetings have been a great way for employers to get in front of a small group of high school juniors and seniors to talk about their career path and answer questions about their company,” said Jennifer Hollingshead, School to Work Specialist at Aspire.
Hollingshead also noted the program’s impact on students’ career aspirations.
“I recently had a school tell me about a student that participated in the career discovery meetings that asked for a second meeting with their company contact so they could talk more about pursuing an apprenticeship with that organization.”
Local employers have praised the program for its ability to create meaningful connections with students.
“I have enjoyed participating in Aspire’s Career Discovery Meetings at area high schools this year,” said Stacy McGaha, Accounting/HR Assistant at GMI Corporation, an employee-owned medical device manufacturer based in Franklin.
“It has been so nice to connect with the students and faculty and share and answer questions about what we do here at GMI Corp. as well as hearing what the students are considering for their future plans.”
McGaha emphasized the importance of engaging with students and encouraging them to explore career opportunities.
“I feel like this is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the future of our community and invest in them, offering them insight and opportunities they may not be aware of. I would highly recommend this program to every employer, no matter what the field.”
“These kids are willing to listen, engage, ask questions and inquire about what opportunities are out there,” McGaha added. “I have found in my experience that many are very willing to share their thoughts and ask for feedback, which is appreciated. They really value the information they are given. You never know, you could be speaking to the next future CEO of your company.”
Rebecca Cottongim, Talent Development Program Manager at Endress+Hauser, shared her experiences participating in the initiative.
“We’ve been participating in Career Discovery Meetings throughout the past semester, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of visiting Greenwood and Perry Meridian High Schools, where I start each session by sharing my purpose for being there and asking students what they hope to gain from our conversation. This approach ensures we use our time effectively and focus on their needs.”
Cottongim highlighted the value of providing real-world guidance to students.
“I’ve enjoyed answering their questions and offering practical advice, such as how to subscribe to job posting pages, the best time to start searching for internships, and more. It’s been fulfilling to support students in their growth while also giving back to my community.”
She encouraged other employers to get involved.
“If you’re not familiar with Career Discovery Meetings, they’re a fantastic way to engage with students and share your experiences,” said Cottongim. “I encourage employers to consider adding these meetings to their community involvement initiatives. It’s an easy and impactful way to make a difference.”
Kelleen Robertson, Educational Outreach Coordinator at Franciscan Health, similarly expressed the program’s benefits for both students and employers.
“Our organization has greatly benefited from participating in the Career Discovery Meetings. Engaging with the students has fostered a sense of community and partnership that I believe is essential for workforce development.”
“Moreover, by participating, employers can gain a deeper understanding of the skills and interests of the next generation, ensuring that our workforce remains strong and relevant,” Robertson added.
Aspire is seeking employers to participate in Career Discovery Meetings in 2025. Volunteers will lead 30-minute sessions and share insights about their industry, company, and the education and skills required for success.
Participating organizations can benefit by identifying potential interns, apprentices, or job shadows. Employers interested in supporting this community effort can read the volunteer instructions or contact Jennifer Hollingshead at firstname.lastname@example.org for more information.