Helping Young People Find Their Career Passion
Is All in a Day's Work for Jerry Beckerman
 
Career planning for young people is like using a compass -- one benefits from knowing where one is headed before one begins the adventure. That was the message that Jerry Beckerman brought to Rotary Ventura South at our regular meeting on Monday, October 10. President and Founder of Passion Spark, Jerry and his team conduct intensive, focused workshops for teenagers aimed at determining what they enjoy doing most, then determining the best career path alternatives.
 
"According to a recent survey by Forbes Magazine," said Jerry, "eighty-one percent of working adults in the United States are dissatisfied with their careers." The Passion Spark workshops are designed to help 13 to 19 year-olds aim for that elusive nineteen percent group in which people are highly satisfied with their work. Over the course of four weekend days, workshop participants progress through a three-tiered program.
 
In Tier 1, group facilitators work on drawing out feelings and emotions to identify activities about which the young people are passionate. Tier 2 shifts into the objective and scientific arena and the assessments begin to match personalities with career types. The final Tier 3 sends participants into the community to speak with people who work at their dream jobs. The final outcome, says Jerry, is a synopsis of their notes, feelings, and guidance from facilitators to identify how their passion applies to their potential career.
 
"The Passion Spark Program not only helps with career planning," said Jerry, "but also for college preparation." He noted that the next session begins on November 5, and he encouraged people to visit the Passion Spark website for more information. Thanks, Jerry, for an informative look at the essential work you are doing to help young people find their own passion!