Volunteer Spotlight: Marc Matthie

Marc Matthie is an educator and coach in the Fairfax County Public School system and a member of the Greater Washington Advisory Board. He has experienced first-hand the impact of Career Exploration programming in the classroom: “Think Big for Kids uses career showcases to expose students to work, so students can find their calling. When a student finds their calling, their passion, their career, they will take off and do extra-ordinary things. Think Big for Kids is helping students find what makes them extraordinary.”

Think Big Marketing Committee member Serina Williams connected with Marc to learn more about his unique perspective.

Can you share a bit about your experience volunteering with Think Big for Kids?

Think Big for Kids showed the formula for Career Development – career exposure, mentorship, and job placement. I enjoyed the career showcases. The showcases were interactive, engaging, and gave students a vision into their future. Students were exposed to many careers and companies. I also was exposed to many careers and companies I’ve never heard of. I wish I had these experiences in middle school.

What inspired you to get involved with Think Big for Kids, and what keeps you motivated?

To be fully transparent, I felt like my last 2 years of high school was a waste of time. Although I was a good student and person, and was on a state championship team, I always felt like there was something I was supposed to be doing. I knew in less than 6 years, the real world was going to hit me and I didn’t know if I was prepared – what career would I be in, would I have the skills to dominate in that career, and would a college education be enough?

I felt like I should have been dating careers like I was dating for a wife. If I was going to be spending as much time at work as I was with my wife and children, shouldn’t I love it?  If I’m going to commit to something I love, shouldn’t I explore what’s out there? If I’m going to commit 30 or 40 years of my life to a pursuit, shouldn’t I know what I’m getting into? Think Big for Kids allows our students to find careers that will fit who they are and bring out the best in them.

The possibility of seeing happy and engaged human beings in their work keeps me motivated.

How does Think Big for Kids help students explore different career paths?

Think Big for Kids in partnership with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) recruits local companies to present career showcases to middle school students. In year one, there were 59 career showcases presented to more than 200 students. Think Big for Kids helped expose our students to the world of work, so they can begin thinking about what type of work they would be interested in.

 Can you provide an example of a memorable moment or success story from a career showcase event?

When a student in a Microsoft showcase said, “I can see myself doing this.” Microsoft had students creating self-autonomous driving vehicles that were controlled by black tape on the ground. As soon as this student opened the box, he was quickly at work, figuring out the assignment with very little help. I saw this student challenge himself; problem solve, use critical thinking skills, and use his resources appropriately without being directed. This student was in his element. This process made me wonder, ‘What would happen if every student were in their element? Would they do all the things we want them to do academically and in the workforce?’

What impact do career showcases have on the students who participate?

It allows them to connect to the real world. It allows them to gain a connection with work. We can only find a connection if we are exposed to multiple diverse stimuli. I don’t know what work suits me if I’m not exposed to many different forms of work.

 How do companies benefit from partnering with Think Big for Kids for career showcases?

Companies get to invest in their future workforce. We have an engagement crisis in our world of work and it’s primarily because there is a passion mismatch with many employees. Imagine what would happen if companies used these career showcases to find students who are extremely passionate in their work, and they chose to invest in this student in the eighth grade. What type of employee would you have with four or eight years of investment – a creative problem solver, a leader in your industry, and an engaged employee that will lift the spirits of others in your company. The working world is missing out on a huge opportunity to build a cadre of engaged leaders ready to solve their most pressing problems.

On a more basic level, individuals who put on these career showcases really enjoy interacting with the students. It’s such a joy to work with engaged students who remind you of yourself. Investment in human beings creates energy and joy. Employees NEED more joy and energy. These showcases have become a pleasant break in their day. These career showcases are as impactful to the presenters as they are for the students.