MIASF Hosts Students from the Boys and Girls Club

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) hosted 70 high school students who attend the Boys and Girls Club Broward County (BGCBC) program to its headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where a panel of young marine industry professionals discussed various career paths, jobs and the benefits of working in an exciting and growing industry.

“We want all BGCBC members to graduate from high school with a plan for the future; demonstrate good character and citizenship by participating in leadership training and volunteering in community service projects; and engage in sports and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle” said Chris Gentile, chief development officer.

The panel, moderated by Sean Smith, MIASF’s director of development and host of the Salty Jobs video series, included Ionna Hernandez, business development manager from Yachts – International Registries; Richard Grennen, co-founder and CEO of FHG Marine Engineering; Juno Prudhomm, yacht broker at Denison Yacht Sales; and Megan Lagasse-Washington, marine director at Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

“College isn’t a necessity for many marine-related trades skill positions that offer a career ladder and wages that are higher than the State average,” Smith said.

Offering lots of career advice and tips on putting their best foot forward, panelists recommended that the students begin practicing important soft skills now, like having a positive attitude, being helpful and thoughtful, using proper grammar, being on time, and making relatable connections with interviewers and eventual co-workers.

The students also enjoyed a newsletter writing activity with Lucy Reed, publisher of The Triton news publication, and a Water Taxi boat ride to Lauderdale Marine Center, where they visited six marine businesses and participated in a scavenger hunt.