The Career Development Conference (CDC) is Youth Solutions’ annual event where youth have the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program. This event highlights workplace skills and knowledge, such as marketing, creative problem solving, and interview skills. Career-based competitions provide students real-world practice for future employment opportunities while volunteer judges evaluate and offer feedback to our future leaders. Moreover, inspirational speeches and student recognition allow our young people to envision and aspire towards their future careers.
This year, for the first time ever, the CDC will be conducted virtually!
We are seeking volunteers to judge youth as they compete virtually in career-based events such as interview skills, critical problem solving, and creating a JMG marketing video. Register for at least one event to judge or judge multiple events.
Volunteer judge registration is being accepted until March 15. Register Here!
Judge Events Overview
JMG Marketing – Team or Individual Activity – 5 youth per program
- Youth will assemble a digital presentation using video, photographs, music, and other media of their choice to market JMG. This presentation will be rated on brand marketing, demonstration of JMG activities, the positive effect of JMG programming, professionalism, and creativity.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected for individual youth submissions and team submissions.
- Judges for this event can expect an email on April 26, with links to up to 7 digital presentations and directions for scoring. Judges will have until the end of the day on Thursday, April 29, to view all presentations and provide feedback. We anticipate the total time commitment to be no more than 1 ½ hours (this includes viewing 7, 3-5 minute videos and completing feedback and scorecards).
Creative Problem Solving –Team or Individual Activity – 3-4 youth per team
- Youth will be asked to prepare a 3-5 minute digital presentation to present a creative solution to a real-world issue that youth in Michigan might experience today.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected for individual youth submissions and team submission
- Judges for this event can expect an email on April 26, with up to 7 digital presentations and directions for scoring. Judges will have until the end of the day on Thursday, April 29, to view all videos and provide feedback. We anticipate the total time commitment to be no more than 1 ½ hours (this includes viewing 7, 3-5 minute videos and completing feedback and scorecards).
Mentorship Interviewing – Individual Activity
- Youth will compete in virtual mock interviews for their desired industry. Each youth will participate in 2 mock interviews and be judged on response content, poise, personal presentation, and networking abilities. Each youth will present a leadership resume that will include a biography displaying 3 strengths, 3 industries of interest, and related questions for the interviewer about the industry.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected for individual youth performances.
- Judges will conduct at least 2 interviews. Judges will be given contact information for their youth by March 26, and coordinate the date and platform to conduct the interview with their youth by April 23. Judges will have until the end of the day on Thursday, April 29, to submit their scorecards. We anticipate the total time commitment to be no more than 2 hours (this includes communication and completing feedback and scorecards).
Volunteer Registration is being accepted until March 15. Register Here!