Future Career Academy Helps Seniors Plan What’s Next

“Come to us for the job … stay for the career.”

Those were the words of Bill McDaniel, City Manager of Plant City, as he addressed a packed auditorium of seniors at Durant High School. McDaniel was one of several panelists representing the Future Career Academy (FCA), a program that partners with Hillsborough County Public Schools to help graduating seniors explore their next steps after high school.

For many students, graduation brings more questions than answers. Most don’t yet know what path they want to pursue or what opportunities even exist. That’s where the Future Career Academy steps in.

“Future Career Academy is focused on helping students decide what’s next,” says Sarah Lemaster, FCA District Director. “We want to make sure every graduating senior leaves the graduation stage with a clear and actionable plan for their future.”

Four Key Experiences, One Clear Goal

The FCA provides four key experiences throughout the school year, and business panel events are the first. During the panel at Durant High, representatives from multiple industries shared entry-level job opportunities and the potential for growth. They highlighted starting pay, advancement pathways and long-term career potential.

The room wasn’t just filled with professionals — it was filled with possibilities.

With more than 200 business partners, the FCA visits nearly every high school in Hillsborough County over the span of a week each October. After the panel presentations, students get the chance to speak one-on-one with panelists, an opportunity where real connections are made.

“I had a student from Durant High that connected with a business called Network Transaction Solutions during this same panel last year,” Lemaster shares. “They built a relationship and kept in touch throughout the year. After graduation, that student was offered a position with the company and is now thriving in their career.”

More Than Just a Job

The panelists do more than promote job openings; they offer mentorship.

Jonathan Rosado, a manager with TD Bank, emphasized the importance of having a solid resume and good interview skills. He also offered to work with any student that’s interested on fine-tuning their interview skills.

In January and February, students will have the chance to visit these companies on career field trips, getting a behind-the-scenes look and building deeper relationships. Then in April, all the learning culminates in an FCA Hiring Event, where seniors can apply for jobs, enlist in the military or enroll in training programs, a true launchpad for their futures.

Job vs. Career: A Lesson in Long-Term Thinking

At the close of the panel, Lemaster turned the microphone back to the students with a simple, powerful question: “What’s the difference between a job and a career?”

One student didn’t hesitate: “A job is short term. A career is long term.”

That’s exactly the mindset the Future Career Academy is working to inspire: helping students not just find work, but build fulfilling, long-term careers.

Originally published in the November 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.