Jim Giordano speaking to students in the Columbia auditorium
Eight local professionals visited Columbia High School on Friday to discuss careers with students. They shared advice about college, career development and how to find balance in their lives.
The program, titled Career Connections Day, featured a guest speaker during each period and was sponsored by the Career and Technical Education Department and the Guidance Office.
Jim Giordano, a graduate of Columbia, reflected on what he learned as a high school student and when he found an interest in computer programming. After graduating from college, he worked at companies such as IBM and General Electric, while continuing his education along the way.
“You’re going to work for a lot of different people, some good leaders and some bad leaders, but you can learn from all of them,” said Mr. Giordano, who is now a vice president for Latham Pool Products and a member of the East Greenbush Board of Education. “Never stop learning.”
Guest Speakers
- The Honorable John Reilly – Judge, Albany City Court
- Amy Stringer – Human Resources, Linium Operations and Recruitment
- Jim Giordano – Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Latham Pool Products and Executive in Residence, RPI Lally School of Business
- Michelle McBain – Information Technology, Cisco
- Lisa Despart – President and CEO, Action Window Cleaning and Board Member, Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce
- Theresa Allen – Special Agent, IRS Criminal Investigation
- Erin Maloney – Supervisor Biotech Production, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- David Chin – Certified Financial Planner, The Investment Center