VLK Hosts Klein Collins High School Students for Job Shadow Day
Houston, Texas ' On January 19th, VLK hosted students from Klein Collins High School, Klein ISD for Job Shadow Day. This mentorship event, started bya small committee of Klein Collins educators led by the Career and Technical Education Counselor, provides students with the opportunity to learn about the professional world through connection with individuals that are experts in their fields of interest. This is the second year VLK has partnered with Klein Collins High School and welcomed students who aspire to work in the A/E/C industry to come and see what a day in the life of an architect entails.
When students first arrived, Angel Rivera, Project Coordinator, welcomed students, gave a quick tour of the office, and then made group assignments. Each group circulated through work stations, interacting with staff as they worked on various projects, as they learned the responsibilities and steps involved in each design phase from conceptualization to completion. The day ended with Revit training, the software used to produce drawings, and a conversation with VLK's Educational Planner, Dr. Dalane Bouillion talked about VLK's mission, values, and office culture.
'I had a great time visiting VLK with my students from Klein Collins,' said Ryan Bailey, Graduation Advisor and Teacher Chaperone for Job Shadow Day.'The employees were open to sharing their job experiences and the students enjoyed learning processes of an architecture contract from beginning to end. This opportunity has provided them insight to solidify their passion for architecture. I also loved the work atmosphere that VLK encourages by catering to the creative needs of their employees. This was an amazing experience for our students and we're grateful for the opportunity.'
'I had an amazing time leaning about the different aspects of Architecture,' said student Daniel Tahin. 'Hopefully one day, I will be working here.'
Job Shadow Day proved to be a success not just for the students, but for our team at VLK as well.
'It was truly a pleasure to spend time with architecture, interior design, and engineering students from Klein Collins High School,' said Dr.Bouillion, VLK's Educational Planner. 'As an educator who studies student engagement, providing a meaningful learning experience in the 'real world' is something we always want for students. I enjoy assisting with the learning opportunities that students experience while observing students with architects and interior designers in the office. This experience was also very rewarding for me, and one of the many reasons I love my job! I already look forward to next time!'