Articulate. Good eye contact. Clarity of thought. Mature.

Asked about JAG CT students’ performance at our first Career Development Conference, judges had high praise:

“Calm, positive and articulate.”

“Listened and considered others’ suggestions.”

“Excellent first impression, very personable.”

These and other detailed comments  were shared with students and Specialists after the Tuesday event, which drew 150 students and nearly 50 volunteers and observers to Capital Community College in Hartford. The event marked the first time students from all seven JAG CT partner schools came together, to compete in the professional skills they are learning, as well as practice their networking skills and learn from a Career Panel and other guest speakers.

“I was absolutely blown away by the stories and struggles behind the speeches the students gave today,” said Rep. Jeff Currey, one of the Public Speaking Judges.

Students competed in Public Speaking, Employability Skills, Career Planning, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking. Speakers included State of Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Scott Jackson, pictured at right; Department of Correction Commissioner Scott Semple; Capital Community College President Wilfredo Nieves; Senator Gary Winfield; and Sgt. Sean Grant of the Manchester Police Department. Click here for the full agenda for the day. Reps. Mark Tweedie and Henry Genga also served as judges and presented the Outstanding Students awards.

Several JAG CT students were honored for their commitment and accomplishments in demonstrating JAG’s values of Accountability, Attitude, Perseverance and Teamwork. Click here for the event program, containing a listing of Outstanding Student bios and for judge and volunteer biographies.

Career Panel member Tina Longo of the New Britain Hospital for Special Care, who spoke about the growing number of health care jobs, said she enjoyed the event and would return.

“It was a pleasure being there,” she said. “The best part of it all was the handful of students that came to introduce themselves and asked additional questions.  That is the glimpse of light that shines to demonstrate that this program is and will be effective for these students!”