“What do you want to be when you grow up?”  It’s a common question that packs more pressure the further one gets in school. By the time students reach the eighth grade, they are expected to determine potential career options so that future classes can cater to those need, but in reality, they simply haven’t been exposed to enough information to make such life-altering decisions. 

 

On November 14, Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and Harrison County Schools joined forces to allow eighth grade students from around the county to explore career options in an interactive format.  The Career Connections Day was held at Village Square and sponsored by Thrasher Group, First United Bank and Trust, Job Squad, Harrison County Economic Development Corporation, Sam’s Club and CJIS.  

 

Nearly 900 students rotated through the six career pods.  The first pod was Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Information Technology.  Bombardier Aerospace, West Virginia Junior College, N1, Salem University, and The Thrasher Group worked directly with students to give them insight on what careers in this area would look like.  The students were given 15 minutes per pod to ask questions, hear presentations and pick up resources to further explore the field. First Energy and Mark West discussed the role of natural gas processing and the future growth of that field. Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center showcased their Aviation Maintenance Technology program and FSU Aviation Code of Excellence presented about piloting aircraft.

 

The second pod included Education, Government and Public Administration, Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security.  Harrison County Schools Teacher Cadets shared their knowledge of teaching strategies and job outlooks.  Fairmont State University reviewed Health and Physical Education options.  Salem Correctional Center and Jail introduced students to the K-9 units and Jim Hunt from Amazing Cities gave an overview of Public Administration careers.  Bowles Rice reviewed what a career as an attorney looks like and the FBI showed students all about Biometrics and Criminal Justice issues.  The City of Clarksburg and Steptoe and Johnson were also on hand to provide realistic overviews ion careers in this pod.

 

Architecture and Construction, Human Services, Manufacturing and Transportation and Distribution and Logistics made up the third pod for students to explore.  WYK Associates presented their recent work with the Robinson Grand Theatre in Clarksburg. They gave an overview of careers in architecture and job outlooks.  Applied Construction Solutions explained career options in safety and welding and Energy Transportation demonstrated the career options in hazardous materials transportation.  The I.B.E.W. Local 596 were on hand to work with student interested in electrical work and the United Way of Harrison County gave an overview of non-profit organizations.

 

Also in the third pod were representatives from UPS, the WV Carpenter Training Center and all programs at the United Technical Center, including cosmetology, auto tech, collision repair, masonry, drafting, and machining.

 

The fourth pod included career areas involved with agriculture, food and natural resources as well as health science careers.  Enliven Wellness demonstrated the benefits of chiropractic care, Med Express’s booth focused on medical assisting and UHC showcased their nursing, diagnostic imaging, and physical therapy options.  Educational components of this pod included Harrison County Board of Education, United Technical Center, and West Virginia Junior College.  Wilson Martino Dental gave an overview of careers in the dental field and Freed’s Greenhouse provided information about agribusiness.  

 

Business Management, Finance, and Hospitality and Tourism made up the fifth pod.  Harrison County Parks and Recreation gave an overview of career opportunities in recreation.  Job Squad offered career counseling services and demonstrated resources for staffing area businesses.  HomeFinders Plus reviewed Real Estate career options and American Destinations showcased the diverse careers available in travel and tourism. Fairmont Federal Credit Union and First United Bank and Trust gave the inside scoop on banking and finance careers, while Spatafore Insurance and Financial Services showed students the benefits of entrepreneurship.  Bridgeport Conference Center demonstrated the culinary arts and event planning options and the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau discussed tourism with the students.

 

The final pod through which students rotated included the Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications and Marketing.  Students from Harrison County Schools showcased their Marketing and Business Programs, including Simulated Workplaces that allow students to gain actual job experience.  Infinity Studios was on hand to discuss careers in sales, event planning and marketing, and Ben Queen talked about photography and entrepreneurship.  Orion Strategies showed students the career options in public relations and marketing research and students learned all about broadcasting with WBOY AND WDTV.  Pierpont Community and Technical Center showed samples of fashion careers as well as jobs in interior design.  Finally, representatives from West Virginia University’s Fine Arts Department were on hand to give insight on what is required to pursue careers in the arts.

 

Harrison County Chamber of Commerce’s Kim Drummond coordinated the efforts, which directed students through rotations and allowed for the interactive presentations by the various community organizations involved.