High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Give credit to the folks at West Virginia University at Parkersburg; they came up with a creative way to prepare students for their first jobs after college by hosting a Dress for Success Fashion Show to help show students the importance of professional attire. Students may underestimate the importance of dressing the part, but WVUP faculty and staff were able to show them not only the importance of workplace-appropriate attire, but also have fun highlighting a few common fashion mistakes in interviews and professional settings. The show also served as a lead-in to WVUP’s Reverse Career Fair next month, which will allow potential employers to circulate through student-hosted booths featuring resumes and portfolio materials. “I think a fun way to promote a pretty serious event helps students remember what dressing for success looks like and the common mistakes to avoid,” said Mary Casto, career services specialist at WVUP. “It gives students the opportunity to network with many different employers in a comfortable environment and practice presenting themselves professionally.” Well done, on developing fun programs that may take the edge off the nerves associated with stepping out into the job world.

* Meanwhile, the Washington County Career Center was working toward meeting the needs of its students this week with the Building Bridges to Careers Community and Business advisory council meeting themed “Meeting in the Middle: Investing in our future talent.” The idea is to work toward having schools, industry and communities work together to support local talent — and to meet local needs. “Tonight is about thinking about the investment we see in our talent ecosystem – being future talent, our students,” said Emily Bentley, education engagement specialist with BB2C. “We’re unpacking the word ‘invest,’ because we’re not just talking about dollars. We’re also talking about the other ways we give back to our community and uplift our kids.” Workforce development doesn’t have to wait. It can begin as early as elementary school, as Morgan West Elementary School third-grade teacher Haley Jordan reminded us. Her students work with Triple Nickel Diner to explore ways the business could increase revenue during slower periods. “I was really shocked by my students who specifically struggle academically but getting a hands-on project and seeing how they flourish with it,” she said. What a wonderful chance for stakeholders from across the spectrum to develop grassroots strategies for supporting our workforce AND our industries.