On March 13, 2025, the DTech Academy (DTech) hosted an evening filled with opportunities at Entree to Employment. This event, located at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), gave students the chance to explore career pathways and hear a variety of experiences from trained professionals.
DTech is a Career Technical Education (CTE) program offered at Foothill Tech. Juniors and seniors work together in a workspace where entrepreneurship meets industrial design. The Academy focuses on student-made products and student-run businesses by offering paid internships and positions for students to manage real enterprises in the world of business.
Entree to Employment allowed the senior class to engage with real-world professionals from the community. These adults ranged in a variety of fields: from engineers and businessmen to firemen and private business owners. Students were able to hear and take inspiration from the stories of these professionals while also practicing soft skills such as communication, networking and interview practice.
“It gives our students an opportunity to sit down … with adults that they don’t know in a semi-professional setting, and not just learn about career opportunities … but it also reinforces those soft skills,” DTech coordinator, Brooke Johnson, expressed.
The event began at 6 p.m., with professionals and students alike pouring into the media center at Foothill Tech. They chatted with familiar faces and introduced themselves to foreign ones. Additionally, many viewed and purchased products made by DTech students, representing Foothill Tech pride and spirit. Soon after, dinner was served by the junior interns, and the attendees took seats at the formal tables set up around the room. The room filled with casual chatting and introductions until the guests moved to their assigned dinner tables.
As the clock reached 6:40 p.m., the interview-based portion of the conversation began. Students engaged with the adults, asking formal questions that piqued their interest. The professionals responded, giving insight into their occupations and experiences in the workforce. The senior students worked on eye contact, descriptive answers and respect as one another spoke. The guests asked questions about their career interests that were meant to be challenging, and students put their full effort into responding with professionalism.
Kiana Felix ‘25, one of the main organizers of the event, excitedly stated that “you see the effect of what [Entree to Employment] has: it’s people getting used to the professional field and people getting used to conversation in general.”
Time quickly flew by, and at 7:15 p.m., the guests spent a 10-minute intermission mingling amongst each other. They received a variety of desserts and refreshments before taking a seat at a different table with new students and professionals.
Since the dessert tables consisted of unfamiliar faces, introductions were made, and conversation was engaged during the second interview-based round. Students heard about the aspects of vastly different fields, leaving them a well-rounded experience.
Chris Walker, a facility and capital project manager for BMW, enjoyed the event, noticing that the students “all had direction, which was really impressive … I think we really helped the students hone in on what they want to do.”
As the evening approached its end at 8 p.m., the sophomore and junior DTech students and volunteers were thanked for their sideline contributions; they served food, cleaned up tables and helped set up the event beforehand. Additionally, the professionals were all graciously thanked for their participation and interaction with the students. DTech seniors left with immense inspirational knowledge and their intricate questions answered, all thanks to the attendees of Entree to Employment.
