Colbert holds GEAR UP Career Fair

Colbert High School students learned a lesson in real life March 16 as about 30 professionals visited the school for a Career Fair.

The fair was sponsored by the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Partnership. Colbert High School Math Teacher Janie Jones coordinated the event.

About 30 careers available to students in Southeastern Oklahoma were represented, as professionals in computer technology, banking, law, accounting, medicine, journalism, art, wildlife and more talked to students about their respective fields.

Students chose their top six vocations and heard from speakers in those areas. In addition, all branches of the armed services, two colleges and the Kiamichi Technology Center set up informational booths students could visit.

This kind of experience is very valuable for students, as the professions in which they are interested come to life, Jones said.

“These professionals were able to share with the students about the successes and mistakes they made along the way, as well as the education needed for their careers,” she said.