Daniel McGettigan, a Twin Valley senior in Berks Career & Technology Center’s (BCTC) Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BME) program secured a unique co-op position at Berg Construction after a creative approach to job hunting. Following an unsuccessful summer search for internships, Daniel took matters into his own hands, posting an elevator pitch on his local Facebook page. His initiative paid off when Berg Construction noticed the post and, after two interviews, offered Daniel a position as a Marketing Assistant. Despite initial surprise at working in the construction industry, he quickly discovered that foundational business skills apply across all sectors. “I never paid much attention to the construction industry. Now, I notice everything—from the jobs we work on to the logos on the trucks. It’s all important,” Daniel said.
In his role, Daniel creates videos, blogs, graphics, and social media content, while also assisting with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). His SEO knowledge, gained through BCTC’s BME curriculum, impressed Berg Construction. “They didn’t expect a high school student to know about SEO, but getting good placement on search engines was something they needed,” Daniel explained. The BME program’s emphasis on business plans, pitching ideas, and mastering business terminology has directly prepared him for the co-op experience. Participating in weekly planning meetings has been especially rewarding. “In just three months, the business knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable. It has changed my outlook on the construction industry.” After graduation, Daniel plans to pursue a degree in Business Management, carrying forward the skills and insights gained from his time at BCTC and Berg Construction.