Seniors Learn About Life Beyond Graduation

   To give seniors a short insight into the real world, a series of financial, work-related, and real-life educational sessions was held on Friday, January 11. Speakers from various career fields spoke to seniors about banking, financial services, civil services, job interviewing and applications, workplace ethics, and military career options.

   Rickie Huntsman, EVP of Farmers National Bank, shared practical tips on debit and credit cards, obtaining loans, saving accounts, and credit.  

   “If you have a debit card, don’t let it out of your sight,” Huntsman said. “Always be careful with your debit cards.”

   Huntsman also explained credit scores and the ways in which a low or high credit score can impact life in the real world. 

   “There is a system that gives you a credit score,” Huntsman noted. “As you start borrowing money from banks, we send the information to three credit agencies that develop credit scores on you. If you have a credit card and you use it don’t pay it back on time, you will have a low credit score. Two things happen with a low credit score. One is you may not be able to borrow money from a bank because your credit score is too low. The second is, you may be able to borrow, but you will pay higher rates of interest. When you start borrowing money or using a credit card, make sure you pay it back on time.”

   Jonathon Ross, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, discussed several personal finance topics.  

   “As you get out of high school and start working, you need to have a checking account and a savings account,” Ross said. “The other side of the coin is money that is for way down the road. Your saving accounts will have a small return but investments in stocks provide a lot better return. Once you start work and get into a career and have a checking account and a savings account, the money you should put back after that needs to be earning more than what you would earn with just a savings account.”

   Ross talked about potential investments through stocks and mutual funds and things that the students should consider once employed.     

   “When you get started in your career, a lot of you will have a 401K option for your retirement,” Ross said. “If you remember one thing today, remember that if you have that option to be in a 401K, participate. At the very least put enough in your 401K to have a match from your employer. Also participating in a retirement plan will help you save in taxes.”

   Students also learned about the basics of getting a job from a presentation by Franklin Garabato from the Bowling Green Career Center. Garabato talked about the practical do’s-and-don’ts related to finding a job. 

   “Lesson one when it comes to employment is always to use your full name on an application or resume,” Garabato. “You will get your next job based on three things, the impression you make, your skills and qualifications, and whether or not you have the fit for the job. When you start looking for work whether out of high school or college, looking for work has to be considered your job until you can get a job. One out of every nine jobs are obtained through networking, through people you know. Get on the Internet and do your research. Find out who to send a cover letter to. If you send a cover letter, get a name, and address it to that person.”

   Garabato urged students to always use correct spelling for the company to which one is applying, to know their selves in order to thoroughly answer interview questions, and to completely fill out an application.

   “Applications have to be impressive,” Garabato said before giving the future graduate a visual demonstration of how a retail manager would go about weeding out applications when hiring. 

   Regina Woolbright from the Kentucky Career Center talked about “hard skills” and “soft skills” and the need for both when seeking a job.

   “In today’s job market, the competition for employment in a lot higher in recent years, Woolbright explained. “Therefore, one must have the ‘whole package’ to be considered properly prepared for an interview and employment. Most likely, the prospective employer called you based on your hard skills, however, it will be your soft skills that will ultimately get you the job.”

   Woolbright also talked with students about their personal image---an image that potential employers will consider in the hiring process.

   “Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly maintaining an image through our appearance, our beliefs, and verbal and non-verbal communication, and even through social media,” Woolbright noted. “Branding yourself to future employers means giving a good first impression and a lasting one as well. Always dress appropriately for interviews and always maintain your appearance even outside the workplace. When you go to a restaurant or ball game always have a good appearance and a good attitude going on because, what if, that potential employer is there with you?”

   Army recruiters Anthony Holt and Elijah Mockabee explained briefly the many career fields and educational opportunities that are available through enlistment. In addition, Holt also shared his personal experience on how the Army turned his life around after he originally dropped out of high school.  

   “I am the only person in my family that did not graduate high school,” Holt explained but, “I’m also the only person in my family that has a college degree. It doesn’t matter what kind or a person you are now. What matters is what kind of person you are going to be. There is always a path to success.” 

   Allen County Circuit Court Todd Calvert shared with the seniors some basic information about not only what his office does but also different services that are provided by the various government agencies in the city and county. Calvert’s presentation included very practical advice. 

   “They are a few things you need to know and a few things you will have to have,” Calvert said. “You going to need a Social Security Card. If you have one, find it, and put it up. Know where it is but don’t pack it around and don’t laminate it. You also will need your birth certificate. Know where they are.” 

   Calvert also explained to the future graduates the details about the new REAL ID Act which is slated to go into effect in Kentucky later this year.

   “To get a REAL ID you will need the Social Security Card and a birth certificate,” Calvert pointed out. “After this year, if you want to fly or take a train, or get on a military base, you will have to have a REAL ID. Your current drivers license will work if you want to drive but if you want to fly, you will need the new ID.”

   Last weeks’ event was part of a series of activities seniors will have to help transition from high school to college, technical school, the military, or the work force. In addition to visits from representatives from colleges, technical schools, and FAFSA and upcoming ACT and ASVAB testing, a career fair has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, from 9 until 11 a.m. in the gym. Representatives from several area businesses and industries are expected.