Industry–Education Partnerships & Career Pathways | Phil Como, Smithtown Industry Advisory Board

In this episode of the Turn One Studio Podcast, Eliud Custodio sits down with Phil Como, of the Smithtown Central School District Industry Advisory Board (IAB), to talk about career pathways, “light switch moments,” and why keeping students on Long Island starts with real-world experience.

Phil shares how the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board (IAB) connects industry and education through:
—Internships, job shadowing, and guest speakers
—Career events like the STEM Roadshow, financial literacy conferences, and trade fairs
—Partnerships with more than 700 industry partners across Long Island

In this conversation, Eliud and Phil dive into:
—What the Smithtown IAB is and how it became a model for other districts
—How high school internships and work-based learning help students discover what they actually want to do
—The idea of “light switch moments” – when a student suddenly sees a real career path that fits their skills and personality
—Why field trips, site visits, and hands-on experiences beat “read chapter 3 and answer questions 1–10”
—The role of trades and CTE programs in today’s workforce, and why parents are slowly rethinking the “college or bust” mindset
—How AI, robotics, and automation are changing work – and why they’re also creating new opportunities in manufacturing and beyond
—The housing and affordability challenge on Long Island, and how workforce and housing are tied together
—Phil’s own story: from finance and Wall Street to teaching, entertainment, and building career pathways for students

Phil also highlights the importance of:
—Networking with organizations like HIA-LI and the MacArthur Business Alliance
—Leveraging local resources like Suffolk County Community College
—Helping counselors, teachers, parents, and students see career pathways as early as possible

If you’re a parent, educator, business owner, or Long Island professional who cares about the future workforce – and about keeping our kids here – this episode is packed with insight and practical perspective.

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