PCS students connect to business community at career fair

On Friday, March 4, high school students and the community were invited to take part in a career fair held at Perkins County High School.
The fair, which featured local and regional businesses, was organized by Nicole Long, instructor and district assessment coordinator.
In addition to the business vendors, Long incorporated civic groups as a way to introduce students to the many service opportunities in the county.
Long found the event to be quite rewarding, saying, “I really had no idea what to expect, having never attended a career fair myself. There were impressive table displays, and in most cases businesses brought several people to meet with the kids.”
Long was pleased with the turnout from students as well as the public. The school committed time for all 9-12 graders to attend. She said the students were appreciative and many thanked her when they returned to class. Some said they could have used more time there. “It was something new and different,” Long said. One student told her she appreciated knowing a lot of vendors. “That’s the beauty of a small community,” she said.
The vendors benefitted as well, with many offering summer opportunities and considering student internships.
“They had a great turnout of businesses for the kids to get information from,” said Michelle Ross of Pinnacle Bank, who was there with co-worker Andrea Brueggeman.  “The students did a great job asking us about what we do at our business, and what they could do to start working at our business.”
 Long and Principal Ben Jones already have in mind improvements that can be made for next year’s fair, such as organizing tables by pathways to guide students to vendors that best match their interests. They will be considering feedback from students and vendors in their planning.
“Perkins County is very blessed with resources and people, Long said. “This event showcased to the kids how invested our businesses and communities are in our youth.”