Career Fair gives glimpse at job future

SIKESTON - Eighth and ninth grade students at the

Sikeston Junior High School got a glimpse of the

working world Wednesday at the guidance department's

annual Career Fair.

"I think it went very well," said Kim Thornbrough,

ninth grade counselor. "The Career Fair is an

excellent opportunity for these students to learn

about different careers and help them decide their

future."

Additionally, the fair was a great chance "for the

community and school to work together on the common

goal of educating our students," according to eighth

grade counselor Charon Biggs.

The program included nearly 40 presenters from around

the area, "most of them from here in Sikeston," said

Thornbrough.

This year's speakers included a judge, a SEMO Drug

Task Force member, an engineer, a veterinarian,

journalists and military representatives among others.

The various jobs were divided by the counselors into

six career paths - arts and communications; health

services; human services; business management; natural

resources; and industrial and engineering technology.

Last week, students answered questions on an interest

inventory survey to determine which fields they show

the highest interest in, according to Thornbrough.

Students were then able to select five different

sessions of their choice, each lasting approximately

20 minutes.

Having an interest in health care services, eighth

grader Blair Shipps picked the physical therapist,

doctor and nurse practitioner for three of her

choices.

For her remaining two, Shipps chose to attend the

photographer and reporter sessions. "I think I'm a

strong creative writer," she explained.

Speakers described what a typical day at work is like

for them and discussed topics such as how much

education, training and special skills are required

for their job as well as predictions of what the job

market will be like in the future.

Others topics included discussions of salary levels,

fringe benefits and advantages and disadvantages of

their line of work.

Some students seemed to be confident about which job

they would like to pursue. "I'm going to be an

attorney," said Amanda Shaver. "I like to speak my

mind."

Ninth grader Tori Dunn also has her sights set on a

law career. "They make lots of money and I like

arguing with people," she explained.

Many were not yet ready to decide, however. "I really

don't know yet for sure," said Jeremy Couch, ninth

grade. "It's a hard choice to make."

Without a doubt, all the students enjoyed a day away

from their usual routine. "My hand needs a rest from

writing," said Ann Stevens.

"It's been fun," said Casey Carlisle, eighth grade.

"You get to see a lot of different people."