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Famous Dave's CEO Tells CPS Students: 'Read as Much as You Can'

By Wendell Hutson | September 16, 2014 5:29am
 Students at Perspectives Charter Schools in Auburn Gresham were enaged and excited about its annual Career Day on Sept. 15, 2014.
Students at Perspectives Charter Schools in Auburn Gresham were enaged and excited about its annual Career Day on Sept. 15, 2014.
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DNAinfo/Wendell Hutson

AUBURN GRESHAM — His background is in barbecue, not education, but the head of Famous Dave's sounded more like a teacher then businessman when telling students at a Perspectives Charter Schools career fair the best thing they could do to prepare for a future job: daily reading.

"Read as much as you can because life is about reading regardless of what profession you choose," said Ed Rensi, CEO of Famous Dave's of America Inc. in Minnetonka, Minn. "I read everyday and it has helped me tremendously in life."

Rensi represented one of many industries present at Career Day; others ranged from police officers to social workers to entrepreneurs.

Among the things juniors and seniors at the charter operator's Auburn Gresham campus, 8131 S. May St., learned was what college major was best to pursue  careers in medicine, business and law enforcement, and how best to go about choosing a career.

 Ed Rensi and Dominique John were among the professionals who participated in Career Day at Perspectives Charter Schools in Aburn Gresham.
Ed Rensi and Dominique John were among the professionals who participated in Career Day at Perspectives Charter Schools in Aburn Gresham.
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DNAinfo/Wendell Hutson

Brittany Carroll, a 17-year-old senior and Auburn Gresham resident, said the annual event was helpful to students still undecided about a career.

"Having career day gives students a chance to see successful people," Carroll said. "I am thinking about pursuing a career in medicine like a dentist, but after hearing all the different career choices available, I'm not sure if I still want to be a dentist."

Frank Hunter, a 17-year-old senior and Grand Crossing resident, said he didn't know until Monday what to expect after college.

"Originally I wanted to study journalism, but because I am good in math people are telling me I should pursue a career in engineering, which is what I plan to do," Hunter said. "One panelist said if you are unsure about what career path to take, then look at what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Hearing those words helped me a lot."

Renli also said students should be persistent and set goals.

"I flunked out of college before I went back and finished my degree at Ohio State University," Rensi said.

Dominique John, a social worker at Butler College Prep in Pullman, said students should look beyond money when choosing a career.

"In my profession I work with children who are looking for someone they can talk to without being judged and someone who will listen and not just hear them," John said. "I measure success by goals a person sets for themselves and actually achieves, and not money."

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