Career Expo gives students glimpse of future professions

by VANESSA GARCIA, sports editor

 

With so many colleges and careers to choose from, it's hard for a student to decide what he or she wants.

Thanks to South Plains College and South Plains Tech Prep, choices were made easier for students. SPC and Tech Prep recently hosted The Career Expo at the Lubbock Civic Center.

The 9th annual Career Expo, held Oct. 20, exposed high school seniors and juniors to various educational and career opportunities in the region.

The event featured 500 businesses and 177 exhibits.

"It's a great opportunity for students to see these programs, and it gives them a chance to meet with our employers one on one," says Jill Berset, executive director of South Plains Tech Prep. "Most are from small towns and small schools and don't get chances to see things like this."

 

There were 3,073 juniors and seniors representing 53 high schools who attended the event.

"It was a great turnout," Berset says.

Shannon Richard gave two motivational speeches. Basically, the meaning of Richard's speech was that it does not matter where you are , or if you have money, or where you came from. You still have a chance to go to college.

The Expo not only offered career choices for students, it also provided different  programs with degrees, certificates and scholarships opportunities.

Aside from colleges, there were industries that provided students with information about jobs, the pay scales, and the required skills they need to be promoted.

Also participating were representatives from South Plains College, Texas Tech, Wayland Baptist University, Lubbock Christian University, the University of Texas, and the Armed Forces.

"We have a good crowd and interest from groups of seniors, juniors and sophomores. I think this is a good program," says Anna Delgado, an admissions counselor at Texas Tech.

Going to college is a good way to build a future for students, but not every student feels the same about college. The Navy is another option for students to look to, especially if they feel that they are not college material or feel that they are meant for something else.

"We are trying to give kids another option for those who don't have money to pay for college," says Navy Recruiter Jeremy Randle.

 Students also were enlisting in the Army during the event. There also are some people who are also in the Army Reserves, meaning people can still be at home, going to college and still have their school paid for.

" We provide information for career options, and it's never too late to apply," says Sergeant Garcia Vega.

The Lubbock County Sheriff's office probably had the most students at their booth interested in the law enforcement. Also represented were the Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Fire Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, SPC Fire Technology, and SPC Law Enforcement Technology.

"We are showing them job opportunities and different teams they can join," says Deputy Chris Garza.

For students interested in attending a university in another state, Eastern New Mexico University offers scholarships based on ACT scores, says Celeste Tobin, an  admissions recruiter for ENMU.

South Plains College, one of the main colleges at the Career Expo, had many booths for almost every program that SPC has to offer.

"For SPC enrollment management, our purpose is to provide information about SPC, and to answer any questions they have," says Katherine Perez, student recruiter at SPC.  "We've been helping students fill out admission applications."

Aside from career exhibits, the Career Expo had interactive displays, games, group presentations, and door prizes. Those interested in participating in the Career Expo next year can contact Berset at Jberset@southplainscollege.edu.