The annual Career Exploration Fair was held recently at Emmaus High School in the main gymnasium. The Career Exploration Fair, organized by the EPSD Education Foundation in conjunction with the EHS Counseling Department, was open to all students and families in the Lehigh Valley. The fair was designed to give students an opportunity to explore career options and talk to workers in the industry to help steer them on a good path for their future.

Bree Sladovnik of Welder Training and Testing Institute, explained why it is beneficial for students to attend the fair.

“It’s nice to see what’s in the community, [especially] smaller companies that aren’t as well known,” Sladovnik said.

Sophomore Ivana Weller shared why she attended the fair and why she recommends other students do the same.

“To experience the different opportunities [and] it’s good to be prepared for the future and carve a path of where to be,” Weller said.

A parent of an EHS student Ginny Sandoval discussed why the fair is helpful to those who attend.

“Sitting in a classroom, students don’t know what people do on a daily basis, this is good for a one-on-one,” Sandoval said. “[There’s] nothing better to help you than seeing what a career is like than talking [to] people in a career if you have the opportunity.”

Representatives from businesses and corporations stayed at tables handing out pamphlets of information and discussing their respective careers with students and parents.

A handout from Auto Dealers Association showed its different departments, its average salary and more details.

Mike Mihalik, supervisor of secondary curriculum (STEM) for EPSD, touched upon his experience with this being his first year at the fair.

“This is awesome,” Mihalik said. “Even better to see even more local opportunities from the community. No complaints, [it’s] fantastic.”

The fair offers a wide array of businesses and corresponding representatives ranging anywhere from Red Robin to the National Guard. Other businesses and career choices included Giant, Lehigh Valley Press, Metro Beauty Academy, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Auto Dealers Association, Cetronia Ambulance Corps., Edward Jones Investments, Bear Creek and plenty more.

Eleventh grade Assistant Principal Greg Annoni had high remarks for the variety of options the fair presents.

“We have a tattoo place, a judge, the National Guard, [there’s] something for everyone, you can’t go wrong,” Annoni said. “I don’t know how you can’t find something … It’s amazing.”

Annoni also shared how he thinks the event could become even more successful in years to come.

“Expand even more [and] bring in more vendors … improvement is always a goal,” Annoni said.