Dawson County High School students spent a day as professionals during Job Shadow Day at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge Nov. 20.

Students were assigned to various mentors and job sites in the morning and then were rewarded with a luncheon after a hard day’s work.

“Working with local businesses, such as the state park, gives our students the opportunities to see all the diverse jobs available in our county. There are so many professions located right here in Dawsonville. We would like to entice our students to use their talents right here at home,” said Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.

Students shadowed their mentors all morning and learned the ins and outs of their chosen profession. Students worked with professionals from marketing, accounting, food services, maintenance, law enforcement, human resources, management, housekeeping and media.

“This event is designed to ease the transition between high school and careers,” said Diane Mayfield, the work-based learning coordinator at Dawson County High School.

The event was coordinated by Mayfield, Billie Caine, CTI coordinator at the high school, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge.

About 25 high school students participated in the event.

Organizers aim for students from all academic levels to take part in these events, so no matter which profession students are drawn to, they can gain an accurate idea of what will actually be required of them in each field.

“We want students to see firsthand what a profession is actually like. Then, they can either make plans to pursue it or go in a different direction,” said Mayfield.

The high school puts on Job Shadow events twice a year.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge has volunteered every year for the past six years. Last year, job shadow day also took place at businesses located in downtown Dawsonville. This spring, job shadow day will highlight the businesses along Ga. 400.

“We try to highlight different parts of the county each year,” said Mayfield.

“It’s important to show our kids that there are so many opportunities right here in Dawsonville,” she added. “We thank the park for opening their doors for us and being so welcoming.”

Mayfield looks forward to continuing this event for many years to come.

“It’s always a huge success. The students love it and the volunteer mentors so enjoy having the kids come. It’s a time where these kids’ potential really shows,” said Mayfield.