Career Day draws over 100 vendors
Submitted by Anita Byk
At 15 and 16 years old, many students are thinking about what to eat for dinner, how much homework they have that night, or what video they can post on Instagram. While many also have thoughts about their future in mind, do they really know what they want to do post-high school? What their ideal job is or what they will study in college or as an apprentice?
On May 29, 10th and 11th grade students at Watchung Hills Regional High School experienced a Career Day that gave them exposure to a diversified number of professions, allowed them to practice communication skills, and opened up their world to new ideas, careers, and people. Over 100 vendors participated in Watchung Hills Career Fair, bringing their expertise and memorabilia from their companies with the sole goal of sharing their job descriptions and advice to over 850 students.
Taking their scavenger hunt cards to different vendors (putting them in the running for the raffle for tricky tray baskets donated by the vendors), students learned about occupations they were both interested in as well as those they had little prior frame of reference for – finding out the best paths to take to get to where they want to be in their future. Many made valuable connections or obtained internships and summer jobs.
Vendors included law, finance, environmental, plumbing, construction, arts/music, armed services, police, fire, healthcare, engineering, architecture, retail, real estate, autobody, pharmaceuticals, career planning, among others.
Students also listened to distinguished guests during a panel discussion, including the following:
- Bill Spadea: Morning show host of 101.5
- Joel Katz: Morning show host of 98.3
- Liz Scherer: HR Director of Novartis
- Mike Krupsky: Award winning plumber
- Chuck Carro: Municipal Judge
- Chris Battiloro: Westfield police chief
An extensive brunch was provided for our vendors and speakers, donated by numerous local businesses – everything from meatballs to sandwiches, to danishes and bagels. In addition, the Watchung Hills PTO was overly generous in their time and donations to provide a wonderful opportunity for our students. All left-over food was donated to the VA Hospital.
Donors included: A&G Deli, Acme Warren, Aroma Indian Restaurant, BJs Watchung, Ms. Mary Sok, Mrs. Lisa Martins, Ms. Amanda Bonnell and Culinary Arts Class, Ciros, Costco North Plainfield, Country Squire, DAK Korean Fried Chicken, Dunkin Stirling, Biagios, Burger King Stirling, Panera Bread Stirling, Panera Bread Watchung, Wendys, Chick Fil-A Watchung, Wawa, Honey Baked Ham, Just Subs Greenbrook, Duck Donuts, Shop Rite Stirling, Marcy’s Kitchen, Starbucks Stirling, Starbucks Warren, Stirling House Diner, Haisch’s Bakery, Warren Deli, Trader Joes, Blimpies Stirling
Photos by Warren Hills Regional High School
