Students learn practical skills for future jobs at the State Student Council Convention

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Middle and high school students got first-hand knowledge Monday about state and federal politics by interviewing politicians at the two-day State Student Council Convention.

August Phillips is having fun with his friends at the Student Council Convention while also learning life skills, like how to work with people he might not typically get along with, who might help him in his future career.

“Things like interviews, college applications, and I’m going into education. So this is definitely going to help with education and educational leadership being able to work with students will be a big help in my career,” said August Phillips, a senior at Century High School.

He said his advisors and conference leaders have shown him how he wants to spend the rest of his life.

“Bask in the moments, like, have fun with the people that are around you. Leadership doesn’t have to be all serious and telling people what to do, it can be fun,” said Phillips.

The conference gave students a chance to work outside their comfort zone.

“Being able to come on stage, if I run one day, being able to come on stage and be able to speak in front of everyone and in front of 1,400 people,” said Beckett Ness, a seventh grader at Valley City Public Schools.

It can also help the students see the potential they have to add to the workforce.

“And I think until they see or learn how to harvest their inner leadership skills, they don’t always believe they have the potential to do that,” said Rebecca Sullivan, a teacher and advisor.

She said this helps them choose career roles, deciding things like whether they want to be a cashier at a store or be the store owner.

The students also learned about how to reach out to political representatives and get involved with state legislation.

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