For many students, applying to college—worrying about their GPA, test scores and extracurricular activities—is at the top of their mind. However, there are many other paths students might not even be aware of in trade schools and military programs. 

On April 2, Hagerty hosted a career fair at the media center to expose students to the many different options trade schools have to offer. 

“I want them to have more direction for their future and be exposed to different ways of doing things. Some of the people here have internships students can apply for in high school and start to make gains towards their ultimate goal,” College and Career counselor Dr. Andrea Fuhrer said. “The earlier that we can get them to start having those conversations and digging deep themselves, the more they learn about themselves. [So], when they have to make a decision, they have more clarity and what they want to do.

Their event featured a variety of schools and industries, including plumbing, aviation and cosmetology. The representatives set up stations and students were encouraged to speak with them one-one. 

“My main focus was to network with people. I got a few emails, set up some jobs,” senior Ashton Zitzke said. “I’ve always been interested in going into trade so I went to this event to get more information about it and make sure that I’m going into the carrier  that I want, instead of winging it.”

“I think in any profession, connections are important, but especially in the trades. That’s why, for students, if they can be brave and start putting themselves out there and make cold calls and start building those relationships, those [will] circle back in a powerful way for them.” Fuhrer said. ”I guarantee tonight, there are at least one or two students that’s going to make a connection tonight, that’s going to advance them forward in their future.”  

Many of the schools had scholarship options and unique educational pathways. Students got to see first hand what the process of getting into a given career looks like, along with its special benefits. 

The chance to speak with successful individuals in their desired field makes many students more reassured about their future. Many of the representatives first got into their trade through similar events.  

“Just hearing their experiences and knowing they are [successful in] something I’m already passionate about gives me that confidence to keep me going,” Zitzke said. “It’s really cool, because they all started exactly how I was, and they ended up making it, so I know I’m talking to the right people.”

Representatives expressed excitement about sharing their passion and having the opportunity to recruit the next generation into their field. Every booth offered free promotional items, such as bags, fidget spinners and temporary tattoos to get the students excited about their program. 

“[Passion] is the main reason why I’ve worked for the school for 16 years,” cosmetologist Karen Hernand said. “I wanted to [share] my experience [with] people who want to do this. I see myself a lot in the people who are standing in front of me, so I can relate to them. A couple of career fairs ago, I went to a high school and saw a girl I remembered from her junior year. Now she’s a senior and already started her application process. I can’t wait until she graduates high school so she can move forward.”