Every student in Ross County is deciding what comes next — usually without ever meeting someone who does the work they're imagining. Career Conversations closes that gap by putting real employers and real employees in front of real classrooms, so students hear directly what a day in the field actually looks like, what it took to get there, and where the openings are right now.

We're building the roster of business people willing to speak, and we need your name on it.

For businesses and employees: raise your hand

The speaker signup is quick — nine questions, about three minutes. We ask for your name and contact information, your industry and job title, how long you've been in your field, when you're available (mornings, afternoons, or evenings, weekdays or weekends, or specific months), and what topics you're comfortable covering.

That's it. No lesson plans to write. No classroom experience required. We match you with a school based on your availability and subject matter, and we coordinate the details. Most visits are a single class period: a short introduction to your path, an honest description of the work, and time for questions — which is usually the best part.

And don't assume your career isn't "interesting enough." Students need to see the full range of what's here: skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, finance, hospitality, technology, public service, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. The person who runs a small shop has as much to offer as the person who runs a plant.

Sign up to speak: surveymonkey.com/r/CVFL6S8

For schools and educators: request a speaker

We've built the other half of the program with you in mind. A separate interest form lets counselors, principals, and teachers tell us what your students need and when your schedule allows.

The school form captures your district and contact preference, your students' areas of interest or expertise gaps, the days and times that work for guest speakers, whether you'd like speakers at a particular type of school or grade level, and any location considerations. From there, we'll find the right fit from our speaker roster.

Whether you want one speaker for a career day, a panel for a specific pathway, or an ongoing series across the year, tell us what would actually be useful and we'll build toward it.

Request a speaker: surveymonkey.com/r/C725H88

Why this matters to employers

Workforce conversations in Ross County keep circling the same problem: students don't know what's available here, and employers can't fill positions with people who never knew the jobs existed. Career Conversations is a direct, low-cost answer to both. It's also one of the most effective ways to build name recognition with the next generation of workers and their families — a room of thirty students is thirty households hearing about your business.

If you've been looking for a way to invest in the pipeline without adding a program of your own, this is it. One class period at a time.

Ready to go?

Businesses and employees: sign up to speak

Schools and educators: request a speaker

Questions? Call the Chamber at (740) 702-2722 or reply to this email.

We'll be sharing progress — and a few stories from the first classrooms — as the program gets rolling. Help us make the first round a full one.