Career Readiness
In today’s fast-paced economy, the JA Careers with a Purpose program emerged as a leading initiative, equipping Grade 11 and 12 public school students with essential work readiness skills. With the close collaboration of JA Philippines and FactSet , the two organizations launched a series of discussions anchored on work readiness, tackling topics centered on social studies, business, consumer economics, reading, writing, and mathematics.
A Unified Effort for Student Success
In 2024, JA Philippines and FactSet united to mobilize 54 dedicated volunteers for the JA Careers with a Purpose program. In a strategic collaboration, these two organizations, supported by the Department of Education, brought the program to schools across the Negros and Victorias Divisions to foster future talent and offer educational support. This initiative reached over 2,000 Grade 11 and 12 students, not only providing essential work readiness skills but also inspiring a new generation of future leaders.
Voices of Impact: Student Testimonials and Program Ratings
The program garnered an outstanding overall rating of 87.5% from 642 respondents. One student from Negros Occidental remarked, “I appreciated how each teacher in the Zoom meeting explained concepts thoroughly. Their efforts to elucidate the concepts of jobs and careers, and how we can create opportunities for ourselves, were commendable. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in today’s meeting, as it clarified the differences between jobs and careers effectively.” Another student echoed this sentiment, stating, “The program not only provided valuable insights into potential career paths but also encouraged us to explore our interests and passions. I feel more confident about my future career decisions after participating in this program.”
These statistics and testimonials underscore the program’s success and its positive reception among participants. No one said it better than this student, “Participating in this program has been nothing short of life-changing. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about discovering my purpose. I’ve learned to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe in my ability to make a difference.”
FactSet Careers with a Purpose Competition
One of the program’s highlights was the FactSet Careers with a Purpose Competition. This platform engaged participants by assessing their understanding of career concepts while empowering them with essential professional skills. Participants were tasked with submitting a comprehensive paper that showcased their goals and objectives for the next 10 years. This competition cultivates talent, provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, and demonstrates their career readiness through FactSet and JA Philippines’ resources.
Empowering the Future
Through the combined efforts of JA Philippines, FactSet, and the Department of Education, the program, along with the dedication of volunteers, has made a significant impact on the students of Negros and Victorias Divisions, proving to be a vital initiative in preparing the next generation for future career success. As one student said, “The session[s] were very interesting and provided insights into how work can shape our future and the importance of values in our lives.” Another participant added, “The Careers with a Purpose Competition not only honed my career vision but also instilled in me the confidence to pursue my aspirations with purpose and determination, fueled by the dedication of volunteers who selflessly shared their time and expertise.”
Schools and educators are recognizing the value of this initiative to shape the leaders of tomorrow. As the program continues to grow, propelled by the commitment of volunteers, it promises to further empower public school students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers.
