SGTC Career Services provides job-shadowing opportunity to school counselor

Published 8:55 am Thursday, September 5, 2024

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 Demetria Norris, a counselor with the Stewart County School District and a U.S. Army veteran, recently had the opportunity to job shadow at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) with Cynthia Carter, Director of Career Services. Norris holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Human Services from Troy University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University. With her background as a school social worker and mental health counselor, Norris is passionate about working with children and families to help them become productive members of society.

During the 20-hour job shadow experience, Carter provided Norris with an inside look at the scope of Career Services in a technical college setting. This experience allowed Norris to better understand the day-to-day responsibilities involved, including student engagement, the importance of preparing students with career knowledge and soft skills, and the value of industry partnerships that lead to job placements.

Norris also had the opportunity to meet various SGTC employees and tour the campus. “Demetria is determined to help students narrow down their career choices and connect classroom experiences with real-world applications,” Carter said. “This job shadow opportunity will enable her to support her colleagues and students in Stewart County, helping them fulfill academic requirements, build self-confidence, and achieve their career goals.”

Job shadowing offers the opportunity to observe an employee performing their daily work routine in a real-world environment. It allows individuals to explore specific careers and gain a realistic understanding of the tasks involved, helping them make more informed decisions about their career paths. For students in high school or college, job shadowing can provide clarity on career options and opportunities.

Norris expressed her gratitude to Carter for sharing her extensive knowledge of career services, faculty engagement, and industry partnerships. She also thanked her CTAE Director, Mrs. Nichole Mallory, for facilitating the learning opportunity. Norris plans to share SGTC’s resources, including the Flight Plan and curriculum sheets, with her students.

South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 programs leading to an associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. SGTC graduates are well-positioned for rewarding careers in their chosen fields. Apply online today at www.southgatech.edu.

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