With over 40 universities in attendance, juniors and seniors gathered in the auxiliary gym Feb. 13 to attend the College and Career Fair, in which recruiters gathered to encourage students to plan for different paths after graduation.
Alongside the colleges, multiple military branches and trade schools, such as welding and esthetician academies, attended. Students were able to walk to different booths where they could talk to professionals in various fields and ask questions.
“[Recruiters] are experts in what they do, so they have a way of asking questions and finding out information to see what programs they have that might fit,” Principal Robert Frasca said. “The key is you got to come in with an open mind, with questions and with your interests to kind of figure out what it is you might want to talk about.”
With both in-state colleges such as SSC, UCF and FSU, and out-of-state colleges like University of Ohio and Utah State in attendance, students were able to explore a wide variety of university options.
“Sometimes, you don’t even realize, outside of UCF and Seminole State, how many opportunities there are, so hopefully this can help kids find their pathway,” Frasca said. “The goal is for kids to have an opportunity to explore what options are out there for them.”
Additionally, with the presence of the Army, Navy, Marines and the National Aviation Academy, students could explore the option of joining the military after school. For senior Audrey Osgood, who plans on joining the Air Force, being able to talk to military recruiters helped her learn more about what to expect when transferring from high school to the military.
“I got to talk to different military people and learn more about what it’s like to become a part of it,” Osgood said. Just being able to talk to experts on it, it made me excited looking towards the future.”
Being able to talk to experts in their fields allowed students with a plan for after high school to further look into their interests, while giving students still exploring insight on different colleges, programs, majors, and jobs.
“I got to walk around and see different colleges and what they offered,” Townsend said. “Even if I know what I want to do, it’s cool to see other options or career choices I’ve never considered or knew about.”
Students were also able to learn about additional resources to help them in their graduation journey, such as learning about various STEM, retail, and education-focused internships, and connecting with university officers, who help students choose their major and classes in college.
“Everything happens faster than you realize, so I think it’s important to know what it is you want to do and when those deadlines are so you don’t miss out on an opportunity,” Frasca said.
The biggest thing I can tell kids is always put yourself in a position where you’re not missing out on an opportunity because you didn’t make sure you get the information, you get yourself prepared, and if you choose not to take the opportunity when it comes, that’s your choice, but don’t miss because you didn’t know.”
