Topline Credit Union of Maple Grove, MN hosted a "job shadow" to help students and teachers prepare for the future.
The world is changing rapidly, and educators and students are always looking for ways to prepare for the world of work. �What requirements and skill sets are going to be needed in the future especially for those thinking about careers in business? �To help bridge the unknown, Twin Cities-based TopLine Federal Credit Union teamed up with the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Osseo Area School District 279 to host three educators and a student from area middle and high schools to explore the world of business and careers in financial services.
During the day-long job shadow event, they went behind-the-scenes to learn about the types of skills that are needed and valued in the workplace, to experience a typical workday and to learn the latest trends/requirements of the industry. They also picked up a few key financial literacy basics along the way, such as how to review a credit report and how a credit score is calculated.
Osseo High student Andrew Dehn and his school�counselor contacted TopLine to arrange a job shadow event. "My mother works in the financial services industry and I wanted to learn more about careers in finance and accounting," said Andrew Dehn, Osseo High School. "Though I am just entering my senior year this coming fall, I wanted to get a feel for if this would be a field of study for me. TopLine was kind enough to give me a great day of background, and I am excited to plan for what I will study when I graduate and head to college next year."
Through a summer externship program offered by the area chamber of commerce educators were also able to experience the business world one-on-one with various departments at TopLine. All agreed, it was a valuable experience as it helps with the development of integrated curriculum by linking academics with workplace knowledge and skills. Such collaborative partnerships between businesses and educators improve student skill achievement and overall academic performance.� Each educator will be using ideas they picked up to enhance their classroom curriculum.
"TopLines door is always open to assist with curriculum and program development anything to help prepare our students for the future," said Vicki Erickson, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, TopLine.
