This fall, College Possible Omaha brought the Mission Possible Career Panels to six partner high schools: Bellevue East, Benson, Millard South, Omaha North, Ralston, and Westview. These panels are designed to inspire and empower college-bound students by introducing them to a diverse range of career opportunities and emerging leaders within the Omaha metro area and beyond.
Featuring 20 volunteers and engaging over 415 students across six sessions, this year’s panels were a resounding success. Students interacted with professionals from various industries, including architectural design, finance, family law, and nonprofit fields, gaining invaluable insights into their career paths. Designed to encourage college-bound students to envision their futures and make well-informed career and educational decisions, the career panels spark curiosity and create connections that can shape a student’s path.
Real connections, real opportunities
This year, the panels were particularly interactive, with students asking insightful questions about career journeys and seeking guidance on how to kickstart their own aspirations. At Ralston High School, one particularly engaged student connected with panelist Mark Batt, deputy county attorney for Sarpy County, and later had the opportunity to shadow him, gaining firsthand experience in the legal profession.
Another highlight came from Bellevue East, where Helen Anderson, an actuary at Mutual of Omaha, shed light on the often overlooked yet rewarding actuarial profession. Her passion and expertise resonated with a student interested in pursuing actuarial science. Anderson provided valuable resources, including information about scholarships and professional organizations, to support the student’s exploration of the career. “I’m working to raise awareness about the actuarial profession so students interested in STEM know there are many options,” Anderson explained.
Ralston panelist Shukura Huggins emphasized the importance of mentorship. “I have a passion for talking with and coaching young people, and this was another opportunity to share my experiences around career navigation,” said Huggins. “Listening to students’ questions, concerns, and ideas, with hopes to provide insight or just be a listening ear, was incredibly fulfilling.”
At Omaha North High School, Kellee Mikuls and Katie Kodad, two of the panelists, shared advice on internships, job shadowing, and mentorship opportunities, equipping students with practical steps to prepare for their educational and career journeys.
A collaborative effort
In addition to the career insights provided by panelists, we invited our higher education partners, including College of Saint Mary, Doane University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and Wayne State College, to participate. Admissions representatives were present to answer questions about college life and the application process by debunking myths and providing application tips and guidance to prospective students.
The panels featured professionals from organizations such as AmeriCorps, Children’s Nebraska, Conagra Brands, Great Plains Communications, Holland Basham Architects, Ignite Nebraska, Koenig|Dunne, MENTOR Nebraska, Mutual of Omaha, and Sarpy County.
The Mission Possible Career Panels wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, high school and college partners, and the participating organizations. Their support created an environment where students not only learned about career paths but also forged meaningful connections with potential mentors and future employers.
The Career Panels are supported in part by Cox.
