Students and community members were invited to the job and career fair on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 from 5 p.m-7 p.m in the high school’s large gymnasium. The information presented was for students and members of the community to learn about jobs and colleges they may want to pursue. Colleges such as Alabama State University, Potsdam University, The George Washington University and representatives from multiple SUNY. schools were present, as well as the U.S. Army and members from the police force and military.
“I came here looking for colleges,” said junior Riley Silva.
After talking to many different booths, Riley stated he was only interested in colleges that are specific to his desired major. For many students like Riley Silva, the fair was a chance to gather specific information and talk to representatives one on one regarding potential colleges. Other members of the community may visit the career booths to have a chance at talking to potential employers.
“I am not that interested in looking at certain colleges if they do not offer any courses that relate to what I want to do after high school,” said junior Mikayla Herbert.
Each booth presents themselves differently. Most are decorated with poster boards that contain an extensive list of all the courses they offer. If the booths do not have a poster board they have a QR code that students may scan to access any information they may need. The career booths also offer small souvenirs to students to serve as a reminder to keep their schools in mind when students are choosing desired schools.
“I really like the colleges that gave me cool things, it will definitely remind me to keep them in mind,” said Mario Martinez.
The college fair representatives also happen to be the same people who would be reading a student’s application. When the students have these one on one conversations with the representatives a relationship is cultivated. This new relationship may help with any future applications.
Gwendolyn Moore, a college representative for Alabama State University, said she explained, ” I look out for the names of students I can put a face to when I am reading through applications.”
Moore states this helps her choose the students she believes are truly interested in her college. Face to face meetings are beneficial when it comes to college applications. The college representatives are looking for the most dedicated students, and one on one meetings are one of the sure fire ways to get your application taken even more seriously.
There were significantly fewer career booths available to the students compared to the amount of college booths catered specifically toward the students. There was only one career booth in the entire fair that was willing to employ current high school students, all other career booths required one to have a high school diploma, as well as, be above the age of 18 years old.
This event was held in a high school gymnasium, primarily for high school students. However, most of the career booths were looking for future employees to take up positions that current high school students did not qualify for. The one booth willing to hire current students had many opportunities in many different fields. This particular company would also allow for students to work their way up to higher positions within the company.
“This fair definitely helped me get a better idea of what type of college I want to go to, it also gave me a chance to ask any question I wanted,” said junior Shylah Garcia.
Most students opt for the higher education, due to their desire to pursue specific colleges and majors that help to cultivate specific careers. A few students were interested in the career option for life after high school. The diverse range of career and college booths allows for each type of student to find something they are interested in.
