Career Fair brings industry professionals, 10th graders together

By Ena Sellers

Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Nearly 700 students from Duplin County Schools gathered at the Duplin Events Center on March 22 for the Career and College Fair sponsored by the DCS Duplin County Partnership for Career Planning. 

Professionals from 16 career clusters were grouped into 22 booths, where each spoke to the students about their field of expertise and answered questions.  

The day was split in two parts with three sessions in the morning and three in the afternoon. Students rotated though the booths spending approximately 45 minutes at each booth. 

“The kids signed up for what their interests are and we kind of matched their interests to the employers we invited,” said Erica Jones, Duplin County Schools director of curriculum 9-13 and career technical education. 

“We have been doing it for 20 plus years,” said Jones about the event. “We have people from everywhere here.” 

“I truly appreciate the community, the college and the school system for teaming up together to put this event. It is truly a blessing,” said Jones. She also gave a shout out to Debra Sholar, who is responsible for coordinating with the employers who participate in the career expo. 

While the event runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine, it requires a lot of planning and coordination ahead of time to make it happen. According to Jones they start planning the career fair every year in October/November. 

“The students register right before Christmas, and it takes us up to right before now to secure all the employers,” she added.

To view photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.