The seniors in Deb Monson’s economics classes have the opportunity each semester to shadow a local business/profession of their choice. A shadow experience gives the senior the chance to meet, interview, tour and potentially watch a business person in action on the job, acording to a press release. This is the third year of the Albert Lea Greater Education Project, which works with the school district and businesses to help students make the right career choice by offering hands on experiences. 

Every job site has different requirements for the students. Some students may have to fill out paperwork and may spend the whole day on the job site, while others are there to just interview the business expert due to privacy issues and time restraints.  Students interested in the health care industry spend a morning at Mayo Clinic Health System in a mini job fair, with a variety of  medical professionals speaking to the group.

The students chose their top three careers. From that list, one career is chosen with the following businesses giving their time and talent to them: Freeborn Mower Cooperative, lineman; Broadway Home Design, interior designer; Freeborn post office, postal worker; Dave Syverson Ford, sales; Albert Lea Police Department, police and detective; Expressions Salon, hair stylist; Community Foot Clinic, podiatrist; Rep. Peggy Bennett, politics; city administration, government; Eaton Sport & Spine, chiropractor; Minnesota Corrugated Box, sales; Hanson Tire, mechanic; South Central Pet, veterinarian; Solid Wood Products, carpenter and CNC machinist; Susan Joyce, author; Ron Holtan Realty, realtor; Advanced Family Dental, dentist; Jenson Auto Body & Motor Inn, auto body repair; Kestner Electric & Energis Inc., electrician; Myre-Big Island State Park, DNR employee; Pro  Manufacturing, welder; David Larson, psychologist; Margret Ehrahardt, music therapist; Rachel Christensen, therapeutic musician; Fountain Centers, drug and alcohol counselor; Mayo Language  Services Department, interpreter; Bragen Rights Photography and  Mortarr, photography; South Side Barbershop, barber; Trails Travel Center, mechanic; Bonnerup Funeral Service, mortician; Kibble Equipment, mechanic; intellicents, financial adviser; The Children’s Center, child care; ACE Hardware, small business owner; Good Samaritan Society,dietician; Red Door Construction, construction management; Lou Rich/Innovance, CNC operator and industrial machine mechanic;  Hawthorne School, elementary education; and Freeborn County IT Department, computers.

The Albert Lea Greater Education Project and the Albert Lea Education Foundation are thankful for the time, interest and dedication area businesses give to help students in Albert Lea. The release stated without their support, the 12th-grade shadow project and the eighth-grade speaking series in the Pathway’s career class would not happen. 

For more information, call Jean Eaton, project director, at 507-383-7880.