Students gain insight in to different career paths

By Rachel McGrath
Correspondent

More than 1,000 high school students participated Tuesday in the 24th annual career fair organized by the Oxnard Union High School District, and some were optimistic despite the sour economy.

“This is just to get them to think about life after high school and what they need to do to prepare for whatever career catches their eye,” said Sharon Ferrell, the career fair coordinator. “It’s to make them think.”

More than 125 businesses representing 15 industry sectors took part in the event at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The exhibitors presented information about fields ranging from military service and civilian weapons technology to fashion and interior design, healthcare, agriculture and education.

Paige Hernandez, 18, a senior at Rio Mesa High School, said her main concern is finding a job so she can afford to continue her education. “It’s been hard enough trying to get a job right now in high school,” she said.

Several of the 16- and 17-year-olds attending the fair, however, said they weren’t concerned about the economy or whether it will be difficult to find work at a time when jobs are being lost in record numbers.

“I don’t think they’re old enough yet to be even thinking about that,” said Richard Williams, an automotive instructor at Oxnard College. “Within the next year or two, yes, they will certainly be, and hopefully what we’re telling them today is going to be relevant to them tomorrow.”

Williams said he trains students for jobs that are “basically recession-proof.”

“There’s always going to be an industry for automotive technology or some kind of transportation technology. The opportunities are out there,” he said.

Dan Holmquist, the Los Angeles/Ventura County regional director for Lundgren Management Corp., a construction management firm based in Valencia, spoke with students about careers in engineering and design. Holmquist said the federal stimulus package could help create more jobs in his industry.

“In a time like this, when the government wants to stimulate the economy, they fund and support public works and infrastructure jobs and we primarily do public works, so it’s actually a very good profession to be in,” he said.

Beryl Brinkman, a business teacher at Channel Islands High School, brought 190 students to the career fair. Brinkman, who helps students with work experience, said the event is a great way to expose teens to different careers and give them the chance to talk with professionals.

“I work with young people and try to help them get jobs and I see how ill-prepared they are,” said Brinkman. “My students who are currently working realize they are lucky to be employed and they know they don’t quit their jobs, because there are going to be 40 people standing behind them to get their job.”

Moses Cabrera, 18, a senior at Camarillo High School, said he enjoyed exploring the variety of jobs on display but has his heart set on being a journalist.

“In the field I’m going into, I’m a little afraid of it, because I just don’t know what’s going to be out there,” he said. “A lot of people feel pretty secure, but I think once we actually get out of high school, reality will set in. But I’m excited and I’m ready for it.”

Photo by Jacob Kriese
Special to The Star

Culinary students from Oxnard College give a demonstration at Oxnard Union High School District's 24th annual Career Fair on Tuesday at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Photo by Jacob Kriese
Special to The Star

Alesia Stokes, an Equipment Operator Senior Chief in the Navy, gives informationt about the armed forces to Rio Mesa High School students at the 24th annual Oxnard Union High School District's Career Fair on Tuesday at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event is the largest high school career fair in the county, and is co-sponsored by the Oxnard Rotary Club.

Please also find this article published online at www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/10/jobfair-high-school-students/