Fair helps students explore career options

SANDPOINT — The high school library transformed into a series of visions for the future Wednesday morning as students held their yearly reverse career fair.

One of the major events in their career pathways class, a mix of primarily sophomores and juniors lined up cardboard fold-outs illustrating their desired career, its positive and negative points and the best way to achieve it. Professional fields of every variety, from horse training to helicopter piloting to dentistry filled the room as students stood by their handiwork, eager to share their plans.

“I was a little nervous when it all got started today and was wondering how it would all work out,” supervisor Connie Kimble said. “At first, I was worried not many judges would show up, but it’s been great so far.”

Unlike typical career fairs, where established professionals set up shop and allow visiting students to ask about their work, this Sandpoint High School event reverses the roles. In this case, the professionals drop by the school to evaluate student presentations related to their chosen career. The judges graded students on their communication ability, their chosen dress, the clarity of their speech and the quality of the visual aids.

For example, Caitlin Stockdale aims to one day be a professional food critic. A lifelong interest in food preparation and culinary art fuels this ambition.

“At first, I thought I wanted to be a pastry chef,” she said. “Then I realized I just wanted to eat pastries.”

As for Shelbie Montgomery, her goal is to be a pediatrician or a general practitioner. The job appealed to her since after finishing school, it offered plenty of opportunity. Given the range of tasks such doctors perform, every day is also a little different. Finally, the work just suits her personality.

“I’m a really big people person,” she said. “I love working with kids, too.”

Mia Smith hopes to one day own her own daycare facility. To prepare for that job, she aims to volunteer at places like Kinderhaven before seeking additional training.

“I like being around kids, and when they smile, it makes me feel good,” she said. “It takes a lot of time and patience, but I think it would be worth it.”

Finally, Alexus Hiatt wants to take her interest in clothing styles to a professional level, either by establishing herself as a fashion writer or a designer. After appropriate classes like home economics in high school, she hopes to continue her work in college and eventually land a job within the industry.

“I have an open mind to all styles — not just one,” she said. “I love all colors and am happy to work with others.”

According to Kimble, the reverse career fair is one of the more memorable days of the year. She said the students appreciate the feedback from professionals and take the advice very seriously.

“This is a very meaningful event for them,” she said. “I think it really stays with them.”