Learning how to navigate towards a career that is meaningful and appropriate for a young person can be a difficult task. Work At It has been working with young people in the community helping them navigate their ways towards a career path that works for them. While focusing primarily on the population of young people who find themselves outside of a formal educational setting, they also give presentations and workshops in yeshivas to provide more young people with guidance and direction towards professional success.

On Thursday May 19, as part of the RKYHS senior sessions program, Kushner seniors got to hear from Rona Rubin, representing the Work At It organization. Rubin relayed her story of diverse business experiences and shared with the graduating seniors the many lessons that she learned from her business career.

Firstly, Rubin described some of her own most trying moments in the business world. She encouraged students to take chances and to not be intimidated by uncomfortable situations. Secondly, Rubin encouraged students to focus on their own skill sets when deciding what paths to take in their career. Everyone has specific areas of talents and strengths that may be difficult to identify, and students were encouraged to think seriously about identifying their own strengths when deciding on their next steps. Finally, Rubin stressed the importance of holding strong to her Torah values even while enthusiastically pursuing professional success.

Students listened carefully to her professional journey and considered how to plan out their own paths. Hannah Teitelbaum, RKYHS Class of 2022, commented that “Mrs. Rubin’s story made it clear to us that it is ok not to be sure about your career path at our age, and that it is normal to explore many options.” This reflection was expressed in the follow up questions and discussion after the presentation as well.

In addition to the lessons of professional advice, she shared the values of integrity and commitment that are necessary for a religious Jew in the business world. The students were given a clear picture of the necessity to measure their commitment to professional growth while keeping strong to one’s personal values.

Finally, Rubin described to the students the efforts of Work At It to support young people on their path towards employment. While this group is fortunate to be graduating high school and have help planning their next steps, there are others who take different paths. Work At It recognizes the need to understand one’s own strengths and weaknesses so that each and every child in the Jewish community has the opportunity to succeed.