Where are YOU going?

This loaded inquiry is the maxim of The Student Services Department of The Berkeley Institute. We want students to ask themselves this question constantly. "Where are you going ... academically, behaviourally, vocationally, emotionally etc?"

The many and varied student-related events that the department hosts are designed to guide students forward and to have them constantly be aware of their goals and objectives thus corresponding with the school's motto "Respice Finem" which means "Keep the end in view".

Following are only a few of the forward-looking events that Berkeley Institute students participated in recently:

1. On Monday, January 28, all graduating Senior 4 students took part in a four-hour seminar entitled "Beyond The Berkeley Institute". Students received information on organisation and time management skills, dressing for success, perfecting the résumé and cover letter and "nailing" the job interview. A local bank's management trainees partnered with us to ensure that students were up to the tasks of seeking jobs, applying to colleges and applying for scholarships.

2. On Friday, February 29, the S4 students were able to put their newly acquired skills into practice when they were sent out to various businesses for "mock interviews" dressed in professional business attire. The local business community rose to the challenge and put students through their paces and many received outstanding evaluations.

3. Earlier in February, over 80 Senior 3 students participated in job shadowing for National Job Shadow Day. The students' job shadow placements were determined by an interest career survey administered to all students in October. This annual job shadow event is part of The Berkeley Institute Career Week.

4. The Berkeley Institute Career Week was held February 4-8, 2008. This year's theme was "Destination Success... Where are YOU going?"

There is a concerted effort to equip all graduating students with the necessary tools they will need once they move "Beyond The Berkeley Institute".

Although it probably feels like additional work for the students while they are here, we are confident that they are thankful for the skills acquired when they are called upon to use them.