Madison Park Technical Vocational High School students Cledir Barros, Huy Ly and Duyen Nguyen are budding computer networking experts. The nature of their work lends itself to making connections between computer users, hardware and software. And on Job Shadow Day (January 30, 2004) they were able to make a different kind of connection — one that applied their classroom knowledge to the workings of a busy public policy research office.

The three students from Madison Park shadowed BHI Director of Communications and Information Systems Frank Conte for a half-day to learn about workplaces such as the institute. Hoping to earn their certification in network computer technology when they graduate, the three students helped Conte install printer drivers for a copy machine, salvage an old computer and inspect an array of computer hardware. They tried their hands at editing a web page and learned how BHI publishes its material. They also learned about communicating with the media and how academic and professionals interact in an active environment.

The students — Barros (Class of 2004), Ly and Nguyen (Class of 2005) — were free to ask questions and discuss their classroom experiences. After the session, the students were treated to a complimentary lunch.
Job Shadow Day began in Boston in 1996 and expanded into a nationwide event that now hosts more than one million students nationwide. BHI has participated in the program since 1999 and has invited students from Brighton High School and Madison Park. This year marked the fifth time BHI has participated.

“As a research institute at a learning institution located in downtown Boston, BHI has been committed not only to sharing its resources with the Boston public schools but also exposing students to new ideas,” says Conte who expects to continue working with event organizers, the Boston Private Industry Council in the future. “The inner workings here at BHI offer a solid preview of the world of work and the range of career opportunities available in the market after the completion of an education. Cledir, Huy and Duyen now have a clearer understanding of what’s needed to succeed after they leave the classroom setting.”