Are you a ninth-grader? Not sure which direction to take in your life? In this case, the program called “The Company” leaded by the HY Worker Martin Stavjanik is perfect for you. You will find yourself in the middle of an imaginary selection process for a new employee. How will you succeed in it? What are your ambitions in life? How to properly “sell” your skills? Thanks to Martin’s program, this group of ninth-graders already knows.
The pupils can ask whatever they want to know. Martin and his quests are willing to answer each question. The atmosphere is really great.
Martin always brings a colleague from his work team to the almost five-hour-long program called “The Company”. This time his wife Martina, director of a non-profit organization, joined him. In addition, Martin actively involved us, visitors from the International Needs CZ, as well as a class teacher. This was truly magical.
Martin started by introducing the students to the usual procedure of finding a job. Many had no idea what this entailed. Martina expertly guided them through the process of writing a CV and preparing for a job interview.
A small skit by Martin and Martina gave them an insight into the job interview process and at the same time eased the slightly tense atmosphere. Martin first presented a sovereign who had “come to get an employment contract” and then a man who was overly shy.
The pupils, under Martin’s guidance, perform the assigned tasks “easy peasy”.
An interactive game followed to test pupils’ abilities and attitudes towards life and their future careers. This was a very interesting solution. The children just got straight into it! During the game, the classroom was transformed into a space where the pupils could, in their own way, get into the limelight of the business world. They could test their skills and abilities in different areas such as presentations, petitioning or interviewing, with the results then influencing their virtual position in the company.
Participation was not compulsory, as Martin pointed out. At first, the children were slow to enter the game with fears, but these gradually dissipated and with each “obstacle” overcome, the children relaxed.
The International Needs CZ sent the representative to visit the program led by the HY Worker Martin Stavjanik. The program went really well.
It was interesting to see how the children evaluated each other and how their normal behavior manifested itself in the virtual environment of the game. This gave a new insight into what qualities and abilities are valued in the eyes of peers.
It happened that even very capable pupils were easily influenced by others and, even though they “had more to get”, they ended up giving up the game early and staying “at the Job Department” because they did not get the required number of points. Hopefully this was a valuable lesson for them.
It was a unique experience. In addition to the actual knowledge about business and companies, it also taught students about personal growth, the value of motivation, self-effort, perception of others, and flexibility in making career decisions. Martin assured the students that they can make their own career decisions. And he encouraged them to think about their real passions and interests, which can be a key element in their career choices. During the program, all pupils worked together and were not afraid to communicate their feelings.
During the game, I had the opportunity to talk to several children about their concerns related to career choices and the pressures on them. Any advice and help in making decisions about their future careers was greatly appreciated.
Hana Nedvedicka, the Assistant of the INCZ Executive Director
