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Annual Career Fair introduces students to future possibilities
NEW MADRID, Mo. - For many of the students taking part in the New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center’s annual Career Fair, it is their first look at what life could be like as a grown up.
On Friday, Nov. 8, nearly 200 students visited with representatives from businesses and schools taking part in the Career Fair. There were representatives from the healthcare industry, the military, manufacturing, technical schools and other employers.
“We had a little bit of everything,’ said Andrea Harris, TSC director, about the turnout.
For the students, who were primarily juniors and seniors, the Career Fair was also an assignment. Each was required to speak with at least five different businesses or schools
“The had to find out what are some of the positions available, what kind of skills are needed for those positions and what are some of the qualities of a good worker filling that position. They also had to have a business person sign the form,” Harris said. “That way there is more interaction between them.”
While some students are hesitant at first to come up to the representatives, Harris said the Career Fair participants made it easier by offering giveaways ranging from t-shirts to ice cream.
“The students really enjoyed that part of it,” she said. “Once they get to talking with the companies, they see it is not so bad and they can actually learn from it, which will help them in the future.”
New Madrid County Central senior Marvion Cranford described the Career Fair as a good opportunity to learn about the jobs available and where he could interview for a job following graduation. He said he was particularly interested in State Tech and Nucor Steel at the end of the Career Fair.
“I didn’t know much about any of the companies, so I learned a lot,” Cranford said. “It really opened my eyes.”