Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Shines the Spotlight on Local Volunteer, Dan Koschik

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN – Junior Achievement volunteer Dan Koschik knows how much the manufacturing industry needs workers. That is one reason he volunteers to teach Junior Achievement (JA) career readiness programs to junior and senior high school students in Marathon County.

Dan has been a JA volunteer for 4 years. During that time, he has focused his volunteer work on learning experiences that teach students how to be innovative thinkers, how to start their own business, and how to prepare for career success. Using his experience in engineering, sales, and business development, Dan brings a unique perspective that shows students how a career path may not always be in a straight line.

In a recent class that focused on entrepreneurism, one of the students approached Dan after the learning session was finished. The student said he was not ready to go to college and wanted to take a more “trades-based” path. “I assured him that there are always different pathways to success, but none of them are successful without hard work,” said Dan. “I’m cognizant of the fact that conventional post-secondary education isn’t for everyone, and I encourage students to find the career options that best fit what they want out of life.”

Dan received a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA at University of Manitoba in Canada. After working at engineering positions in the manufacturing industry, Dan had the opportunity to join AROW Global Corporation in Mosinee, Wisconsin. AROW is a manufacturer of bus windows, driver protection shields, and windows for service vehicles in the US and Canada. Giving back to the community is an important priority for Dan and for AROW.

In May 2021, Dan joined the Junior Achievement North Central Board of Directors in Wausau. Dan believes that older generations have a responsibility to nurture the success of young people, so our communities can continue to evolve and prosper. He finds the Junior Achievement curriculum an excellent way to teach vital life skills to the next generation of workers.

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