A wide array of industries will be on hand for the second annual career fair Feb. 26 at the Columbia High School gymnasium, and organizers are seeking more to represent the broad range of opportunities available in Marion County.
Donna Rackley from the CHS guidance office said her goal is to expose students to the many types of professions available locally because frequently students claim there’s nothing for them here.
“Yes, there is,” Rackley said. “Most of the career fair participants are all Columbia and Marion County businesses.”
She emphasizes it’s a career fair, where companies and professionals explain what they do and what education is needed to achieve that career, rather than a job fair where hires are made.
About 25 businesses have confirmed participation so far, and Rackley is busy recruiting more. Last year they had 48 to 50 businesses. The lineup includes everything from woodworkers to entrepreneurs to health care companies to banking to industry to military to pastors. Large regional employers who will be on hand include the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Sanderson Farms and Ingalls Shipbuilding.
“Our goal is to motivate the kids,” she said. “I want to see us expand so much we might have to move to a bigger building.”
Local businesses are encouraged to contact Rackley at CHS at 736-5335 if they would like to participate.
Students from schools from throughout the area have been also invited, including East Marion, West Marion, Columbia Academy, Jeff Davis County and Prentiss Christian.
Pictured Above: Students browse during last year’s career fair at Columbia High School. The event is coming up again Feb. 26 with many professions represented.
