VOX: The Voice of Our Generation

Take A Teen to Work is VOX's job shadowing project, matching VOX teens with professionals in their fields of interest during breaks from school (usually Spring Break). Mentors host students at work for a day and generally treat them to lunch to answer questions about their work. Teens get to experience the workplace and gain insight into potential careers.

This year, Take A Teen to Work was a great success. The teen staff members were able to shadow a variety of professions in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, Dentistry, Marketing and more.

Read a little about some of their experiences below. Check the VOX blog for more information about careers you may be interested in.

Alexis Johnson: COX Enterprises

I received the opportunity to job shadow Dave Clapper. Dave is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for B 98.5 and 97.1 the River.

They encouraged me to take an internship when I get to college, whether paying or non-paying, even if I am not doing the job I expected to do, such as running errands.

Giovan Bazan: Atlanta Police Department

Being a police officer is definitely not something that anyone can do. It takes experience and time to understand the streets and to get respect.

It is important to try and work with your fellow officers on the force because you never know when you might need them.

Havilah Driver: Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)

I spent the day with Ms. Jamilla Robinson, one of the editors for the Entertainment section of the Sunday newspaper.

My advice to teenagers interested in becoming a newspaper editor, journalist or reporter is to search for internships to really get a feel for the profession.

Kelcie Willis: Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)

While waiting in the lobby of The Atlanta Journal Constitution, I realize I’m not nervous, just anxious. This is only my second job shadowing experience, and this time, I’ve been paired with Jennifer Brett, the columnist of the AJC’s Peach Buzz, a column that runs on page two of the Metro section.

This job shadowing experience was a very pleasing one, and above all else, confirmed my thoughts that I want to become an entertainment journalist after all.

Michele Delpeche: Atlanta Magazine

I had the opportunity to shadow Rebecca Burns, former editor-in-chief and current interactive director of Atlanta Magazine.

I learned that it is always important to gain as much experience as possible while you’re in school because it will be very beneficial in gaining a job in the magazine industry.

Modupe Alabi: Southern Company

On my Take a Teen A Teen to Work day, I shadowed David King, the News and Corporate Information Manager of Southern Company, the mother company of Georgia Power and other utility companies in three other states in the south.

I realized that I truly cannot plan out the rest of my life according to my career because there’s no sure way to know where you might end up, or what passions you might develop.

Safia Hurst: Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)

My Take A Teen to Work job location was at The Atlanta Journal Constitution with Emily Merwin, a New Media Producer with expertise on Flash.

I was awakened to the reality of the stiff competition that is associated with journalism and has since made me work even harder at thinking creatively.

Stanley Stewart: 95.5 The Beat

I started the day with a warm greeting from Director of Marketing and Promotions for the radio station, Caroline Reigel. My day was jam packed full of exciting and hands on perspectives of every angle of the business.

One thing I will definitely take away from my experience (as should any teen who wants to break into radio) is that getting internships is the key to getting a job! Though it may be hard work, it's definitely fun work.

Teyonna Ridgeway: Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)

I didn’t know what to expect when I went to shadow Pete Corson, a digital producer for the Access Atlanta website at the AJC.

Take A Teen to Work enlightened me on careers that I have never considered and helped me become optimistic about the career that I aspire to pursue.

Tracy Jackson: Phillips and Phillips Dental Associates

I had the pleasure of job shadowing Dr. Gregg Phillips, a general dentist of Phillips & Phillips Dental Associates.

Technology is one of the key fundamentals to running a dental practice. Keeping a database of clients medical/ dental records, x-rays and using tools are all essential to work on someone’s teeth.

Join teen staff so you can take part in this fantastic program.