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One year ago, Tallo launched Real Careers, Real Journeys™—a program connecting students with industry professionals through virtual career sessions. We set out to support work-based learning while deepening our understanding of what students actually need from career exploration.
Over 2,500 students later, later, we’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. Here’s what we discovered and how it’s reshaping Real Careers, Real Journeys™.
Where We Started
Bringing an industry guest to the classroom seemed like a straightforward way to support work-based learning. We’d match interested volunteers with educators based on student interests, host a Zoom meeting, and support our volunteers with presentation templates and ideas.
Simple enough, right?
Not quite.
What We Discovered (The Hard Way)
1. Industry professionals aren’t always comfortable presenting to young people or creating presentations. Most of our volunteers are experts in their fields—but that doesn’t automatically translate to engaging a classroom full of teenagers on Zoom.
2. Volunteers’ presentation skills varied widely—and so did their ability to hold student attention. Some of the first few sessions were rough. Some volunteers nailed it. Others struggled. And we realized the impact of each event depended entirely on factors we couldn’t control: the volunteer’s comfort level, their presentation style, their ability to read a virtual room.
3. Student attention spans are incredibly short. Even our best presenters couldn’t hold attention through a 30-minute monologue. Students zoned out. They multitasked. We needed to rethink everything.
How We Evolved
We scrapped the “guest lecture” model and created a consistent interview-style format instead. A Tallo “host” now interviews each guest using a pre-set list of questions, supported by a slide deck with relevant information.
Most importantly, we integrated polls, quizzes, and other engagement activities throughout each presentation. Students stopped being passive observers and became active participants.
The difference was immediate.
The Results
1. Event quality stayed consistent regardless of volunteer presentation experience.
2. A frictionless process for volunteers, making it easier for them to participate. They show up, answer questions, share their story. We handle the rest.
3. Higher student engagement and valuable data showing what resonates and what doesn’t.
What Educators Are Saying
“The setup for the week was straightforward and efficient… The Real Careers, Real Journeys™ team delivered consistently high-quality sessions. Every speaker was well-prepared, engaging, and confident in their delivery… Students were especially enthusiastic about using Slido each day, interacting with the material and reinforcing their learning. This interactive component made the sessions feel dynamic rather than passive… The content connected with students in a way that sparked interest, participation, and reflection on their own career pathways.” – Betsy Hernandez, Coordinator of Career & College Readiness Education, Kentucky Virtual Academy
What Volunteers Are Saying
“Thank you so much for the kind message and for sharing the student feedback — that truly made my day! It was an honor to be part of Tallo’s Real Careers, Real Journeys™ and to share my story. I’m glad to hear it resonated with the students.” – Stanley M., Culinary Catering Director
“I was honored to sit down with Tallo for their “Real Careers, Real Journeys™” series…We skipped the hype and dug into the practical details of what the [Generative AI Engineer] job actually looks like day-to-day. This field is new for everyone, and I’m a huge believer in paying it forward. I hope my journey can offer a blueprint for others. A huge thank you to Amy Barnes and the entire Tallo team for having me. It was a fantastic experience.” – Akshay D., Generative AI Engineer
What Students Are Saying
“This is the best Tech Thursday ever! Thank you so much for sharing with us!”
“I learned how rewarding this pathway can be!”
“I thought the session was very interesting and engaging.”
“I love the impact the speakers make on my decisions in life.”
What’s Next: Letting Students Drive the Conversation
We analyzed questions from hundreds of students to understand what they actually want to know from industry professionals.
Two clear themes emerged:
1. “What can I do NOW?”
Students want actionable steps they can take while still in high school to explore careers or build relevant skills.
2. “What if I choose wrong?”
Students are afraid of making the “wrong” decision about their future—and that fear holds them back.
These insights are reshaping how we run Real Careers, Real Journeys™ sessions. This year, we’re launching an even more interactive format where students drive the conversation through structured activities—not a free-for-all Q&A, but intentional engagement that addresses these themes directly.
Instead of passive listening, students will have multiple opportunities to explore how career paths really work: rarely linear, often unpredictable, and highly personal.
Most importantly, industry guests will reinforce that it’s okay to be uncertain—and that students can start exploring, building skills, and creating their own path right now.
Our goal: Expose students to new pathways, support the value of their education, provide strategies for career exploration, and instill hope for their future.
Get Involved
For Educators: Bring Real Careers, Real Journeys to your students.
For Employers: Share your career story with the next generation. Volunteering takes less than an hour and makes a lasting impact.
Questions? Contact us at realjourneys@tallo.com