Every high school student hears the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some know the answer early, but for many it takes time, learning and experience to find the right path. That’s why Senior Search is such a valuable part of the high school journey.
Senior Search allows students to explore careers they are interested in during the last few weeks of their senior year by completing an internship, shadowing a professional or completing a hands-on project. Instead of just sitting in a classroom, students get out into the real world.
Over 30 members of the class of 2025 participated in Senior Search this year. Many of these are following interesting people who show them what their day-to-day work life is like.
Jaycob Zabell is shadowing at the Cleveland location of Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, a company that helps people buy, sell and invest in commercial real estate, such as stores, apartment buildings, offices and warehouses.
“I wanted to learn more and see what it’s really like in the real estate world,” Zabell explained. “This experience is helping me figure out if this is the field I want to pursue in the future.”
The company works with all sorts of clients from individuals to large companies to help them make smart decisions with their money.
Zabell is interested in the field since his father works in real estate, and he finds it an interesting line of work he can see himself doing in the future.
“My dad’s job is in the commercial real estate field, and he gave me a contact, so I reached out and asked to shadow and become an intern,” Zabell said.
Zabell, who is going to study business at the University of Cincinnati, chose this field because he already had background in marketing from participating in the EXCEL TECC marketing program.
His father, who has experience in real estate, also taught him valuable lessons along the way. However, he wanted more real-world experience to see if this field was right for him.
Zabell is shadowing Matthew Wallace, a professional in the commercial real estate business, an experience which is allowing him to see firsthand what it’s like to handle real estate deals, communicate with clients and manage property investments.
“I’m learning a lot by watching how Matthew works. He’s been a great mentor, and I’m excited to see what I can learn from him,” Zabell said.
Another important benefit of Senior Search for Zabell has been gaining more experience communicating with adults in professional settings.
Reaching out to a mentor and getting in-person experience was exciting, but also new and challenging for him and other students who participate in the project.
Through Senior Search, students grow more independent and confident when they learn how to write emails, set up meetings and ask questions about the work they’re doing.
Mia Shcherbakov wanted to explore a career in healthcare.
For her Senior Search project, she shadowed a physical therapist.
“My dad is a PT, which is what I am planning on doing as a career, so I had a good connection.” she said.
Shcherbakov was interviewed before she started the project, and she was looking forward to seeing what it would be like to work in a physical therapy practice.
“I have not done much preparation aside from planning because I am not sure exactly what I will be doing at the practice,” she said.
Still, she was positive and ready to learn.
Shcherbakov’s main reason for choosing this path was her passion for helping people, and her Senior Search experience will give her a sense of what it is like to work in the healthcare field.
“I want to be closer to and work closer with people in my future career,” she said.
Shcherbakov also said that it was not too difficult for her to plan her project.
“I think I had it easier than some others,” she said.
She also got advice from students who had done Senior Search before.
“They told me to just do what I’m interested in,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, but just a small step into your career.”
As part of the Senior Search experience, students are required to prepare presentations about what they have learned.
“[I will] create a slideshow along with my log to present for [my] Senior Search presentation,” Shcherbakov said.
Josh Rosenblitt has a project that connects directly with his passion for baseball.
He’s spending his Senior Search working with a scout for the Cleveland Guardians, helping with draft preparation.
“Baseball has always been a passion of mine,” Rosenblitt said. “So when I learned of this opportunity, I really wanted to do it.”
Rosenblitt sees this project as more than just an assignment—he sees it as a real chance to figure out if this is the kind of job he wants some day.
Based on the first week of his experience, Rosenblitt says he has confirmed that this is something he wants to do after high and college.
“That’s why I find this project [a great opportunity] for BHS students,” he said.
Rosenblitt is learning both practical and professional skills during his time with the team.
“I’m hoping to gain skills and knowledge to know what it takes to work at the highest level,” he said.
When planning his project, Rosenblitt spoke to students who participated in Senior Search in previous years.
“[I was told to] take it seriously because it can really help you decide what you want to do in life,” he said.
Zabell, Shcherbakov and Rosenblitt each found ways to connect their interests with real-world experiences.
These students feel that Senior Search has equipped them with more knowledge and confidence, helped them think more deeply about what they want to do in the future and given them the tools to take the first step.
