By Amy N. Panzarella, SPHR, SHRM – SCP
Vice President, Human Resources at American Public University System
There is nothing more energizing than being surrounded by 60 kids, ages 8 to 17 years, who are eager to learn about their new surroundings and participate in hands-on activities developed by the Human Resources and CWE teams at American Public University System (APUS). Since 2008, APUS has participated in the nationally recognized, “Bring Your Son or Daughter to Work Day.” On April 23, we welcomed children to our campus in Charles Town, W.Va. and offered each of them a unique opportunity to assimilate into a professional work environment, learn more about potential career opportunities; and understand what their parent does to contribute to APUS’s mission.
Each participant was treated like a professional from the moment their parent registered them for this event. I sent the children a personal letter two weeks before the event detailing our expectations regarding their behaviors, level of engagement, and attire in preparation of spending the day with us. On the day of the event, each child received an official name badge, similar to the name badges APUS employees wear. That’s when the fun kicked off for the day.
They began their day with a continental breakfast, a presentation by a keynote speaker, hands-on activities; and formal (but fun) presentations and demonstrations from various departments such as Marketing, Information Technology, Admissions, Academics and more. After a busy and exciting morning, the students were provided a catered lunch to enjoy with their parents.
Every student was encouraged to participate and provide thoughtful contributions to enrich each person’s experience. One of the highlights of the day was the interviews the children conducted with at least one professional at APUS (other than a parent). They were given a list of questions and selected a person with whom to conduct an interview. This opportunity provided the children as young as 8 years old, the opportunity to learn and put into practice, basic business etiquette such as making eye contact, a proper handshake and speech articulation. It was a wonderful experience for all children involved, and they were all rewarded with one final fun activity at the end of the day: Graduation.
A formal commencement ceremony signifying the culmination of the education they received during their time with us rounded out the day’s events. Each child had the opportunity to walk across the stage while their name was being read and “Pomp and Circumstance” played in the background. They were greeted by me, donning my cap and gown, and Dr. John Hough, APUS VP of Community Relations, who gave them their diploma. Thereafter, the children were invited to join their parents at their specific work area to better understand the scope of how their parent spends the day away from home. At the conclusion of the event, participants were asked to complete a survey. The data from the surveys provides me the information necessary to make continuous improvements to the event every year so the impact will continue to be meaningful for all involved.
In my travels around Jefferson County, I’ve heard the argument that this annual and nationally recognized event is just a means for kids to get a free day off school. On the contrary, APUS has strategically and thoughtfully structured a day that is rich with educational opportunities that these children do not experience in a classroom environment. Children who have participated in our program can attest that they are held to a high standard while in our place of business and they are learning life and business skills that the required instruction time at school does not afford them.
The benefits gained by these kids are likely not yet realized. It is my hope and expectation that as they travel through their academic careers and life beyond school, they will recall the moment they were trusted to behave responsibly in a place of business; asked to rise to their potential; and were shown the inner-workings of a complex and successful business. With this in mind, they will set the trajectory to provide the youth in their lives opportunities to thrive, learn and proudly demonstrate lessons they learned outside of their classroom. These are, after all, our future business leaders and potential bosses! I know there are 60 kids who walked through the doors of APUS on April 23, 2015 that received a priceless education.
About the Author
Amy Panzarella is the Vice President of Human Resources at American Public University System. She joined the University in 2008 and is responsible for all aspects of human resources including budget; healthcare benefits; professional training and development; recruiting and onboarding; and compliance. Ms. Panzarella has worked in human resources for over 19 years in a variety of industries to include finance, gaming, manufacturing and now higher education.
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