Career Development Program Engineered for Success

Emmett O’Brien’s Juniors were introduced to workplace expectations on Friday, November 2, 2007 when Ralph Brunks an electrical engineer at Sikorsky aircraft in Stratford came to speak and to interact with students as part of the new Career Development Program.  The students have been learning about workplace expectations. Mr. Brunks’ goal was to inform the students how to acquire more work-related information and to explain to them how to become well-rounded employees.  

Teamwork was the theme of his presentation.  Mr. Brunks told students it is important to show respect to everyone on the job.  He added that “Workers must realize they are resources to the company and that is why they are being paid.”  He added that good attendance and punctuality for work and meetings is a must.

The importance of communication was also emphasized. In particular Mr. Brunks praised the concept of career networking.  “Being social is a positive.  It helps you to understand the way the business is.  You need to be able to rely on other people.  Your job is to understand the job.”  He added that an individual’s work options could dramatically increase by using a networking system.

The Career Development Program at EOB prepares students for the workplace upon graduation.  Marie Maresko one of the enthusiastic instructors in the program commented, ”The students need to realize that in addition to their trade skills they need a focused and intense understanding of the modern workplace.”

Emmett O’Brien participates in the summer internship program that Sikorsky offers to technical schools in the area.  A number of students are selected to take part in the internship between their Junior and Senior years.

Alex Michael who is a Junior from Seymour felt that the speaker had permanently altered his opinion of survival on the job and added, “I would like to try to get employed by Sikorsky this summer.”   Junior Joe Mastersanti of Oxford, added, “I learned a lot about what I will be up against in the workplace and what it takes to keep a good job.”