This fall, Wellington’s upper school students experienced a season of discovery through JagsConnect, a program designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world opportunities. From interactive workshops to immersive site visits, October and November were filled with moments that helped students envision their future and build the skills to get there.
The journey began with juniors diving into "Career Assessment: Finding Purpose Through Interests," led by alumna Liz Kazemi ’17. In this reflective, hands-on session, students explored their O*NET Interest Profiler results and learned the RIASEC model, a “language for your interests.” Through peer conversations and share-outs, they connected what they love, what they’re good at, and what the world needs. By the end, juniors had a clearer sense of how their passions translate into transferable skills and career pathways, and they were encouraged to take the next step through JagsConnect mentoring and networking.
For seniors, the focus shifted to building a professional brand. Their workshop, "LinkedIn Development & Professional Etiquette," emphasized the importance of a strong “digital handshake.” Students learned how their online presence shapes first impressions and practiced crafting LinkedIn profiles that tell their story with confidence. From writing an impactful About section to adding headshots and experiences, seniors left equipped with tools to navigate networking and career exploration, both online and in person.
Career exploration extended beyond campus as students connected with alumni and parents in meaningful ways. Freshmen and sophomores attended a career panel featuring JagsConnect volunteers who shared their journeys in law, publishing, retail, and people analytics. Panelists included Amber Merl P ’29 ’31 ’34, Meghan McDevitt ’06, Steven Paull ’92, and Kathryn VanDixhorn, Ph.D. P ’26, each linking their career paths back to the RIASEC model introduced earlier. Their stories underscored a powerful message: interests evolve, but the skills and values you cultivate can open doors across industries.
Seniors also stepped into the professional world through two off-site visits. At Nationwide, hosted by alumna Liz (Craig) Stinson ’06 and parent volunteer Uma Setty P ’29, students toured the corporate campus, learned about community impact, and gained insider tips from recruiters and former interns on resumes, interviews, and internships. Later, at Farber Specialty Vehicles, hosted by Aly (Farber) Kelly ’05 P ’39, they explored the engineering and manufacturing process behind custom vehicles—from metal fabrication and CNC operations to quality control—seeing firsthand the range of careers in advanced manufacturing.
These experiences reflect the heart of JagsConnect: preparing students for life beyond Wellington through purposeful connections, practical skills, and mentorship rooted in community. As students build confidence in their interests and professional identities, they’re not just imagining the future—they’re taking steps toward it.
Interested in learning more about JagsConnect? Check out these articles:
- JagsConnect Takes Off: Seniors Visit COTA and C.Krueger’s
- Kicking Off Career Exploration: JagsConnect Launches with Purpose
- JagsConnect Volunteer Training Kicks Off a Year of Mentorship and Momentum
- Wellington Receives Taco Bell Foundation Grant to Expand JagsConnect Career & Mentorship Program
Interested in volunteering with JagsConnect? Click here.