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At a Charter School in Germantown, Realistic Looks at Career Choices

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some Philadelphia school students were getting a chance today to learn about careers from actual professionals.

"When you choose to live your life as an artist, a regular paycheck ain't regular," Philadelphia spoken-word artist Ursula Rucker warned the assembled group of students interested in a career in the arts.

It was a real-life lesson from the pros, in a classroom at Mastery Charter School's Pickett campus in Germantown, part of the school's annual Career Day.

"We have chefs, we have aviation pilots, a lot of people from finance, people from the arts, singers, producers," even a representative from a school of circus arts, noted  Mastery internship coordinator Ron Nichols.

Rasoul Grant, a tenth grader and aspiring rapper, said he appreciates the unvarnished advice.

"I'm learning that you have to be determined and you have to push yourself and strive, and keep striving yourself," he said.

And after the panel discussions the tables were turned, with students given a chance to present their three-minute "elevator speeches" to the pros.

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