On November 7th, the Perry County Development Corporation (PCDC), in partnership with the Perry County College Success Coalition and area schools, hosted the 10th Annual ASPIRE event. Often described as “speed dating for careers,” ASPIRE is an innovative career exploration event designed to connect local sophomores with professionals from a variety of industries. Through engaging conversations, students gain valuable insights into the various career opportunities available in Perry County.
Erin Emerson, PCDC President & CEO, explained that in addition to introducing area youth to local career paths, ASPIRE showcases the many professionals who have chosen to live and work in Perry County. “As a community, we take pride in fostering local talent and inspiring the next generation to build their futures here,” Emerson said.
The event’s interactive format ensures students are actively engaged throughout the day. When they arrive, students are split into small groups which rotate through 12-minute table discussions throughout the day. Two local professionals are seated at each table and after they introduce themselves and share a bit about their careers, students have the opportunity to ask questions. For many, it is a unique opportunity to interact directly with professionals, to gain a clearer understanding of career possibilities, and to connect with mentors or even potential future employers.
Each year, a theme is chosen and this year, the focus was on employability skills – those critical soft skills that employers often value most. Professionals shared insights on integrity, professionalism, adaptability, networking, and work ethic. They also discussed their diverse educational backgrounds, illustrating that success often follows unexpected or non-linear paths.
Students left the event with fresh perspectives and inspiration. One student shared, “There are so many careers you never think about that offer good pay, and some don’t even require a college degree.” Another noted, “I learned how many people change careers and how most didn’t see themselves in their current jobs when they were younger.”
Many were excited to discover the wealth of local opportunities. “I didn’t realize how many job options there are in Perry County, including some I didn’t even know existed,” one student remarked. Another highlighted the importance of soft skills, saying, “Having a good first interaction with people can go a long way.”
The agenda also featured two impactful panel discussions. The first panel focused on employability skills with panelists sharing their biggest challenges as leaders and how they overcame them, emphasizing the importance of handling failure in the workplace, and discussing how these lessons contributed to building essential skills for long-term career success. The second panel featured professionals who chose Perry County as their home. They shared personal stories about why they were drawn to the area, what makes it special, and how the community supports their personal and professional lives. These insights encouraged students to consider the abundant opportunities available in Perry County.
“The ASPIRE event continues to be a meaningful experience for many local students, equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and a broader vision for their futures,” Emerson said. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this experience to students and we are so thankful to the many local professionals who are willing to share their time and their life lessons. We could not do this without them!”
Here’s a link to a short video about the event.