At The Oberle Academy, we believe that helping students discover their future begins with showing what is possible. Our Oberle Career Chats program brings local business owners, professionals, and community leaders into the classroom to introduce students to a variety of careers and the many paths that lead to success.
Through informal, engaging conversations, guest speakers share how they got started, what their typical workday looks like, the skills needed in their profession, and the lessons they have learned along the way. These conversations give students an opportunity to ask questions, explore new interests, and make meaningful connections between what they learn in school and opportunities beyond graduation. Each visit offers students a firsthand look at the world of work and reminds them that there is no single path to a successful future.
We introduce students to all 14 of Virginia’s Career and Technical Education Career Clusters, exposing them to opportunities in areas such as healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, construction, business, hospitality, public safety, manufacturing, and more. By connecting students with professionals representing these diverse fields, we hope to broaden their understanding of career possibilities and help them discover interests and talents they may not have considered.
We’d Love to Hear from You!
Whether you own a small business, work in a skilled trade, serve your community, or built a career in a unique field, your story matters. You do not need a formal presentation or teaching experience. We simply ask that you share your journey, talk about your work, and answer a few questions from our students.
Interested in participating in Career Chats?
Please reach out to Kristi Allison, Director of Workforce at The Oberle Academy, [email protected], to learn more about visiting our students and sharing your career story.
About The Oberle Academy
The Oberle Academy is a private day school serving students in grades 6–12 and post-graduate students from across the region. Located in downtown Fredericksburg, Oberle provides individualized academics, Career and Technical Education (CTE), workplace readiness, dual enrollment, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to help students build confidence, develop durable skills, and prepare for life beyond the classroom. For 35 years, Oberle has remained committed to its mission of helping each student build the skills and experiences needed to succeed after high school. Connect with Oberle: [email protected]