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BenitoLink joined more than a dozen organizations on Feb. 10 to speak with Hollister Prep students about careers available in the community.
Among the participating industries were public safety, law enforcement, educators, construction, beauticians, barbershops, elections, plumbing and government.
Three Hollister Prep student groups, representing sixth through eighth graders, were allotted 40 minutes to walk to the different tables and ask questions of the representatives.
The topics with BenitoLink Managing Editor Jim Johnson and this reporter ranged from career paths to the benefits and challenges of being a reporter. BenitoLink also discussed roles in marketing, photography, social media and administration.
Elections supervisor Cheyenne Wiles said the students were well engaged and interested in what the elections office entails.
She said that not only did she speak to students about careers, but she also spoke about how the office helps candidates file documents to run for office and how it puts on elections.
“They were super interested in everything we do,” she said, adding that some asked how old they had to be to run for office.
Hollister Prep Counselor Harrell Mcdowell said the career fair not only allowed students to have conversations with professionals but also helped them practice their communication skills.
“One of the highlights for students was the hands-on, interactive nature of the event,” Mcdowell said. “Many students enjoyed seeing fire trucks and emergency medical vehicles up close and learning directly from first responders.”
He said the school has hosted career fairs before but that this was the first one in four years.
“This year’s event stood out because of the wider variety of occupations and career pathways represented compared to previous fairs,” Mcdowell said. “Our goal was to expose students to a broad range of possibilities and help them connect their learning to real-world opportunities.”
Hollister Prep is a public charter school and part of Navigator Schools, which also has campuses in Watsonville and Gilroy. It serves 534 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
BenitoLink has participated in various career fairs hosted by schools and organizations to inform local students about careers in journalism. This was the first time BenitoLink partnered with Hollister Prep.
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