The Gadsden State Community College Career Transitions program will host the 4th Annual Etowah County Career Fair April 17 at the Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 1,000 juniors, from participating high schools around the county, are expected to attend. The program, which houses the college’s career coaches, has chosen as the fair’s theme: Explore.Overcome.Achieve.
The Gadsden State career coaches have worked closely with high school counselors to plan the event in an effort to help students at a pivotal time in their life; as they plan for their senior year and life after high school. The first objective of the fair is to encourage students to explore the various career opportunities available in the area by providing first-hand knowledge and career guidance from professionals. The final two objectives are to help students understand that challenges may come and to motivate them to push past those challenges. To assist with these objectives, students will hear from Tom McNeal, a motivational speaker with “Bring the Message” whose goal is to equip them with the decision-makings skills necessary to overcome obstacles they may face in pursuit of their career goals.
Students who attend the fair will have the opportunity to visit 20 career booths representing the 16 national career clusters, some of which include: Architecture & Construction; Education & Training; Health Science as well as Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. Each booth will consist of professionals from various local industries such as Alabama Power Company, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, CARCAM, Mix 102.9 Radio, Citizens Bank and Trust, Alabama Technology Network, and Go Build Alabama, who will talk with students one-on-one or in small groups about their professions as well as answer questions. Additionally, students will attend a session that includes a panel of professionals who will speak more in depth about their career and the steps they took to obtain it.
Laura Swann, director of the career transitions program, hopes the career fair will be an eye-opener and a great day of exploration for students in this area. “Our goal is to expose students to as many career opportunities as possible,” she said. “Many times they only consider the popular ‘go-to’ careers and don’t stop to realize that there are numerous careers that might interest them if they take the time to explore.” For more information, contact Swann at 256-439-6861 or lswann@gadsdenstate.edu.
