Capturing the attention of junior high or high school students in a classroom setting doesn’t have to be daunting, says Aaron Odegard, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSMCM. As an ASCP Career Ambassador, he regularly visits grade schools, high schools and even colleges to present hands-on science activities in hopes of sparking students’ interest in careers in laboratory medicine.
“Make your presentation tactile and visual, so you get their attention,” advises Odegard, a medical laboratory scientist at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, FL, and a member of the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals.
For new Career Ambassadors, Odegard has lots of ideas and tips to help them get started:
- Be persistent: People are busy and sometimes hard to reach. When reaching out to teachers, school counselors, or MLT/MLS program directors, be persistent if they don’t respond immediately.
- Collaborate with local groups: Reach out to local groups and societies for networking opportunities and tapping into existing activities you can participate in. Examples include Girls Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs, and a local chapter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
- Have fun: Find an activity or subject you’re passionate about. Audience members are drawn to presenters who are visibly having a good time!
- Social media: It's an excellent tool to contact other volunteers, learn about events, and much more. Be professional. You are representing the ASCP Career Ambassador 2.0 program!
- Good Contacts: Ask science teachers, MLT/MLS program directors, health profession clubs/officers about opportunities to speak and volunteer; meet with school counselors and STEM/science festival organizers. (Often, you can get a space to set up booths or present activities that draw attract many people.)
- Be a mentor: This is the way to really be a part of change and impact students’ lives. Give students and young professionals opportunities to learn and succeed. Give young professionals and ASCP Career Ambassadors the advice and opportunities others gave you in your career. Pay it forward!
“By sharing our love of the medical laboratory profession, Career Ambassadors can expand their awareness of exciting career opportunities that exist in laboratory medicine,” Odegard says.
Visit the
Career Ambassadors website for more resources or to learn more about becoming an ASCP Career Ambassador 2.0.
