Parker Lord Corporation, Corporate Partner at Erie High School, a United Way Community School, recently hosted a career panel for 11th and 12th grade CTE engineering students, focused on what opportunities can look like after graduation. Parker Lord team members are often out in our community helping to ensure students of all backgrounds have access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
The panel featured professionals from a range of roles, like design engineers, lab engineers, and so much more, each bringing a different perspective on how they got started and why they chose their field. Their honesty, passion, and enthusiasm helped make what’s next feel a little more real, and a lot more possible for students in the room.
From practical advice to the realities of their day-to-day work, the conversation covered many of the questions students are already thinking about. One question that stood out: What is one personality trait that would help you be successful? While several were mentioned, passion and drive rose to the top.
That idea carried out throughout the conversation. Creating opportunities for students isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about building confidence. The panelists reinforced something simple but important: it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you’re willing to learn and keep asking questions.
By the end of the panel, one student was already talking about printing his resume and applying to Parker Lord. That kind of excitement and motivation is exactly what moments like this are all about.
After the panel, the group had the chance to tour Erie High’s CTE wing, exploring programs like welding, construction trades, and automotive. They were genuinely impressed, not just by the spaces and equipment, but by the students themselves. Watching students walk them through their work and skills left a strong impression and sparked real appreciation for the talent already being developed.
In addition to the panel, Parker Lord volunteers also led hands-on activities for 9th and 10th grade students. These sessions introduced basic engineering concepts and how they apply in the real world. It was more than just an activity, it gave students a chance to explore a potential career path and make real connections to what those jobs can look like day to day.
Thank you to Parker Lord for not only sharing your expertise, but for helping students see what’s possible.