Zooming In on Career Exploration with Patricia Piacentini and Brad Duquette
Outline
Introduction and Background of Major Choice
Melissa Milner introduces herself and the podcast, mentioning its sixth season and the growth in listeners.
Brad introduces himself as one of the co-founders of Major Choice, sharing his background in working with college students and his realization of the need for better career guidance.
Tricia Piacentini introduces herself as a special education teacher and parent of two adult sons on the autism spectrum, highlighting her experience and the opportunity she saw in Major Choice to help more diverse learners.
Trish shares research indicating that students with autism and intellectual disabilities are three times more likely to be employed if they receive proper services, emphasizing the gap in support.
Formation and Initial Success of Major Choice
Brad discusses the genesis of Major Choice, including his personal challenges during COVID and his reconnection with his passion for working with college students.
Brad explains the research he conducted, revealing alarming statistics about the high cost and inefficiency of students changing majors and the low percentage of students working in their degree fields.
Brad and Ed Goyette, another co-founder, collaborated to develop a framework to address these issues, leading to the creation of Major Choice.
The initial pilot program with neurotypical students was successful, and they received a call from ARC, a program supporting people with disabilities, which further validated their approach.
Expansion and Adaptation of Major Choice
Tricia describes her involvement in Major Choice, bringing her extensive experience in special education and her personal connection to the mission.
The team expanded their focus to include students with disabilities, recognizing the significant gap in services for this population.
Tricia shares her sons' experiences with supported employment and the positive impact it had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of similar opportunities for all students.
The team developed a structured framework to help students transition to meaningful careers, incorporating live mentoring and remote flexibility.
Course Structure and Mentoring Process
Brad outlines the three core missions of the Major Choice course: self-exploration, career exploration, and outreach.
The self-exploration phase helps students understand their values, interests, and strengths.
The career exploration phase involves students in creating a career plan and identifying potential career paths.
The outreach phase focuses on networking and interviewing professionals in the students' chosen fields, providing real-world experience and connections.
Tricia explains the importance of having motivated students and the role of live mentors in guiding them through the process.
Impact and Success Stories
Brad shares success stories of students who have benefited from the Major Choice program, including a student who found a job as a low-voltage electrician and another who is pursuing a degree in psychology to address bullying.
The program emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in work, helping students develop a sense of direction and confidence.
Trish highlights the flexibility of the remote format, allowing students from different locations to participate and providing opportunities for mentors with varied schedules.
The team continues to refine the program, incorporating feedback and new ideas to improve its effectiveness and reach.
Future Plans and Expansion
Brad discusses the potential for expanding Major Choice into other states and working with vocational rehabilitation programs.
The team is exploring partnerships with colleges and community colleges to offer the course for credit and support students in their transition to higher education.
Tricia emphasizes the importance of making the program accessible to as many students as possible, while maintaining high standards and effectiveness.
The team is open to new mentors and collaborations, aiming to grow and impact more lives through their work.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Brad and Tricia encourage listeners to visit the Major Choice website for more information and to consider becoming mentors or applying for the program.
They express gratitude for the support and interest from the community and emphasize the transformative impact of the program on students' lives.
Melissa Milner thanks the guests for their time and insights, highlighting the importance of the work they are doing and the potential for future growth and success.
The conversation concludes with a sense of excitement and optimism for the future of Major Choice and its mission to help young people find their path.