Clark Fork High stages career day

SANDPOINT — Clark Fork High School students got a taste of several possible futures Friday on a career day.

A part of the school’s GEAR-UP, or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Under-graduate Programs, line of programs, the event brought out a wide variety of individuals representing several different professional fields.

According to event coordinator Dawn Schatz, the half-day event was beneficial for students of all types. For those still unsure of what they want to do after high school graduation, the presentations gave them an idea of the salary expectations, day-to-day routines and positive and negative points to several different careers. For those with their mind already made up, participants provided advice on the best educational programs and activities to make their dreams come true.

In general, presenters gave students a rundown of what a typical day of work might hold for them.

They also described what type of post-high school education they pursued and whether or not it was necessary to be hired for their line of work.

Some presenters said they always saw themselves working their jobs even in high school, while others said they more or less fell into their careers.

Each individual also had his or her share of high points — for instance, helping people, dealing with interesting subjects or learning new things every day — as well as low points like delivering bad news or having to take a hard line with their employees.

For example, Schweitzer Mountain Resort president and CEO Tom Chasse gave students a rundown on what it’s like to manage a major winter sports destination. His responsibilities are much more far-reaching than students might anticipate, Chasse said. It’s not just making sure lifts stay in operation and runs are conditioned to provide the best snow possible. With Schweitzer Mountain Village providing all the services one might expect from a small town, he has to make sure residents and guests alike are provided with sewer and water, power and Internet. Meanwhile, he keeps an eye on Schweitzer’s many business interests, including restaurants, retail shops, hotels, real estate sales and more.

As a part of the grant-funded GEAR-UP program, the career day is designed to help students from low-income families prepare for college or post-secondary education training. GEAR-UP events usually cover ground related to career exploration, college visits, financial literacy, personal strength development, academic rigor and more.