This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Wesley Burns, a senior at Willis ISD and the first-ever recipient of Bluekit's NIL Career Internship. In this special episode, Rick turns the microphone toward a student perspective, exploring how today's learners discover careers, prepare for the workforce, and think about their futures in a rapidly changing world.
Wesley shares his impressive journey balancing academics, athletics, leadership, and multiple internships while serving his community through a unique pallbearer ministry. From managing social media for a local business to interning at a law firm and preparing to work in a student-operated credit union, he reflects on how real-world experiences have shaped his confidence and career aspirations.
The conversation also explores how schools can better introduce career pathways, why social media plays a growing role in career exploration, and what students actually want from educational technology. Whether you're an educator, district leader, parent, or student, this episode offers valuable insights into preparing learners for careers before they graduate.
What You'll Learn
Why career exploration should begin before high school
How internships help students build confidence and workplace skills
Wesley's experience becoming Bluekit's first NIL Career Intern
The value of balancing academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities
How social media influences career discovery for today's students
Why students benefit from seeing a wider variety of career options
What makes educational technology valuable from a student's perspective
The importance of hands-on learning and authentic workplace experiences
How community service helped shape Wesley's leadership mindset
Why students appreciate tools that are simple, engaging, and meaningful
Wesley's goals after graduation and his plans for the future
Episode Timestamps
03:09 Building Experience Through Multiple Internships
06:02 Serving the Community Through a Pallbearer Ministry
07:52 How Students Discover Career Opportunities
09:18 Why Career Exploration Should Start Earlier
11:29 Creating More Career Awareness in Schools
13:19 Making Learning More Engaging for Students
15:20 Behind the Scenes of Technology Careers
17:18 What Makes a Great Learning Tool
18:57 Using Social Media Responsibly
21:10 Looking Ahead to College and Career Goals
24:10 Advice for Students Exploring Their Future
Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
Special Thanks
To Wesley Burns for sharing his inspiring journey as Bluekit's first NIL Career Intern. His commitment to leadership, community service, and continuous learning demonstrates what's possible when students are given meaningful opportunities to explore careers while still in high school.
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