High School Students Gain Real-World Experience at ISM Business Symposium

Oct 03, 2014

Community volunteers recently lent their time to share practical advice with high school juniors and seniors involved in the Frisco ISD Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program.

The annual ISM Business Symposium was split into two events this year to accommodate increasing student enrollment.

Students from Frisco, Lone Star and Wakeland high schools participated on October 3 at the FISD Administration Building. Students from Centennial, Heritage, Independence and Liberty high schools get their chance Friday at Independence High School.  

During the symposium, business professionals conduct mock interviews, evaluate student resumes and help students build networking skills.

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“I was pleasantly surprised with how prepared the students were, how specific and thought out their goals were and the level of maturity and professionalism that they approached me with,” said Nicole Arnold of Nicole Arnold Interiors. “They weren’t shy. They knew they were there for a purpose.”

The event helps students prepare as they begin contacting professionals working in a career field of their choice.

“This gives us the experience to go out there in the world,” said Wakeland senior Regan Reuling. “Phone calls are more comfortable and aren’t as scary.”

Over the course of the ISM program, participants conduct research interviews, work with a mentor in a chosen career field and formally present a product based on what they have learned.

The course is part of the FISD Gifted and Talented program and requires an application in order to ensure students are prepared for the rigor and course expectations.

“She was always focused, but being a part of ISM gave her a sense of responsibility and accountability,” said volunteer Mike Rodriguez, whose daughter chose to study broadcast journalism at the University of North Texas after participating in ISM. “It emphasized that she could do it and gave her the courage and confidence to talk to reporters.”

The hope is that all students gain a better understanding of which career path or major to pursue after graduation.

“I wish I would have had something like this,” said volunteer Ed Wiest of GE Critical Power. “I didn’t realize until I was a junior in college that what I was going to school for wasn’t what I wanted to do and by then, it was too late. I had already invested so much time and energy in the program.”

Lone Star senior Josh Moore hopes ISM will help him avoid a similar situation.

“I’m really excited to see what ministry looks like day in, day out,” he said. “If it is really my calling, then I’ll know.”

The Journey Begins for 2014-15

The Independent Study and Mentorship Program at Frisco High School has already taken off for the school year. This program, commonly referred to as ISM, is well- loved by ambitious juniors and seniors, who are given the opportunity to choose a career field to study throughout the school year.  Students are able to investigate any field in which they are passionate, ranging from engineering to law, music production to forensic science, and endless other opportunities. Students conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field of their choice throughout the first semester and choose a mentor for the second semester.  Students meet with their mentor once a week in order to create a product and learn more about the field. The course also teaches students professional skills as they conduct cold calls, schedule professional interviews in the business setting, and learn to give 30 to 45 minute presentations in an engaging and professional manner. Students are currently beginning the process of contacting professionals to set up interviews. They have also created professional resumes, as well as blogs with which to record their progress, discoveries and journey. ISM is unlike any course at FHS, or at any high school in the United States, as it enables students to truly make a difference in the world. Final products for the course can range from film scores for actual movies, functional prosthetic limbs, research on cures for cancer, and endless other possibilities. ISM also enables students to make valuable connections for their futures and to decide if the area they decided to study is what they want to pursue in college. This course builds confidence, professionalism and valuable connections in the upcoming generation, making it an unforgettable and invaluable experience.

Don’t miss the ISM Winter Showcase at Heritage High School on December 16^th at 6:30pm! Students from all seven high schools will be presenting their research and exhibiting their first semester accomplishments. See you there!

Story Written by Sarah Meeks - ISM 2 Student