Oakville Middle students had the opportunity to explore careers that interest them during the school's annual Career Fair on Thursday, Nov. 29. About 35 professionals shared more information about their vocation and answered student's questions.
Professionals in health care, engineering, journalism, computer sciences, finance, pharmaceuticals, the military, police and fire departments and others were on hand to explain what their work is like. Four professionals are Oakville Middle School alum: Hanna Yates, sports reporter at KFNS 590; Danielle Farnam, educational therapist at Our Little Haven; Minja Balassi, licensed nursing home administrator at National Healthcare Corporation; and Vince Balassi, research and development scientist at MilliporeSigma.
"We've been working with our students to identify their interests and strengths and how these might fit well with certain career fields," said Emily Lehr, counselor at Oakville Middle School. "The Career Fair was a great opportunity for the students to explore a wide variety of careers and to talk directly with people who are working in those fields. It also gave them the opportunity to practice those soft skills that they will need once they start interviewing. It was great to see the kids dressed in professional dress, shaking hands, introducing themselves, making eye contact and writing thank you notes."
Eighth-grade student Madyson Rodgers said she got a lot out of the fair. "I could see myself working in health sciences," Rodgers said. "It's very eye-opening to see all the jobs there are."
Pictured (L-R) eighth-graders Tinuola Osikoya, Marissa Rowley and Madyson Rodgers
Additional photos can be viewed on the
Oakville Middle School Facebook page.
Mehlville School District is always looking for business and career partners to attend career fairs, mentor students, host job shadowing opportunities and provide other activities for students. Learn more.