BCW Partners with the Galleria on Talent Development

Giving local high school students advice about choosing a career, John Thompson, Marketing and Business Development Manager at the Galleria mall in White Plains, told students to find jobs that reflect their skills.

“Don’t try to reinvent the wheel,’’ he said. “Look to your strengths. Chances are that the right career for you involves doing things you have been best at all of your lives.’’

The young people from White Plains, Mount Vernon and Nellie Thornton High Schools were at the mall to shadow professionals and learn about various job opportunities. Students observed Galleria staff from accounting, security and marketing. It’s all part of a partnership between the BCW the mall and other local businesses to prepare young people for careers and help cultivate the workforce of the future.

Ebony White, BCW’s Director of Workforce and Employer Development, said that this week’s job shadowing opportunity at the mall was part of a larger workforce development partnership involving the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and six local youth serving organizations.

“The need for talent and a skilled workforce is an issue facing most businesses,’’ said White. “As the leading business organization in Westchester, the Business Council is committed to helping our members find and cultivate talent. Partnerships are key. We are thankful to the Galleria for their partnership and for being a Workforce Champion. We hope to work with other local businesses who are interested in providing career development opportunities for young people.”

Nia Garrison, 16, a junior at Mount Vernon High School, said that she learned a lot from the experience. Although she is interested in pursuing a career in sports management, she said that now she has other options to consider. “I really enjoyed the part about marketing,’’ she said. “It’s something that I could really see myself doing.’’