More than 500 students from the Socorro Independent School District explored job opportunities and learned about different career paths at the 2024 SISD Career and Job Expo on March 18 at Montwood High School.
The annual districtwide event allowed students like Anissa Nevarez, a junior at Montwood High School, to interact with businesses and organizations at the local and state level, as well as colleges, technical schools, and the military about current job openings and career options after high school.
Nevarez, a future computer programmer, hoped to find a summer job at the expo, but an internship with Best Buy piqued her interest.
“I’m kind of focusing more on (information technology), so that’s why I like the Best Buy internship that I just learned about, and that is really helpful because Best Buy deals with a lot of computer tech, and that is something that I am interested in going into,” Nevarez said.
George Thomas, director for Career and Technical Education at SISD, said the expo allowed students to see the different career opportunities that were available for them in the community, especially if they were in search of summer employment.
“If they're looking for a job, this is the time for them to look for one,” Thomas said. “(During) COVID, it was kind of tough for students to get a lot of opportunities for jobs. Now everybody's hiring, and pay is $12 to $15 an hour, so our kids have a prime opportunity to interview for jobs.”
Students were encouraged to wear professional attire and dress to impress potential employers. They were also advised to bring their resumes and be prepared to be interviewed.
The event targeted sophomores, juniors and seniors, but freshmen were welcome to attend.
Pebble Hills ninth grader Noah Benitez said the expo helped him explore different career paths. He talked with representatives from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and learned about the career opportunities they offer.
“This is helpful because of the different career paths,” Benitez said. “You can see what you want to do and figure out what you want to do in life.”
Noel Melendez, an 11th grader at Eastlake High School, said having the expo at the high school was a convenient way for students to look for jobs.
“I feel like it's a lot easier when everything is in one giant building because it helps students prepare,” Melendez said. “It also really brings out the community that is close by.”