Hundreds of area students check out My Success Event

Students ask questions from area employers at 2014 My Success Event — Students ask questions from area employees at 2014 My Success Event

More than 2700 high school students from Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas will make their way through the 2014 My Success Event to learn about career and education options for their future.

“This is the largest group that we’ve had,” said Mary Brown, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Programs Coordinator. “I think unfortunately this is the last year we’re going to be able to take on any new schools just because logistically we can’t handle anymore.”

The two day event kicked off Wednesday morning at Wyatt Park Baptist Church in St. Joseph.

“I’m just looking around to get some ideas about career opportunities,” said Natalie Eaton, Cameron High School Sophomore. “I think I want to work with animals but i’m not 100% sure yet.”

Students were able to stop by more than 70 booths set up by area businesses to learn about career options in St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri. Students asked booth attendees many questions from the types of careers available with the company to job duties and educational requirements.

There were also booths from 14 area colleges and tech schools in attendance.

“Even though I’m only a Sophomore I want to get a head start,” said Shelby Palmer, Albany High School Sophomore. “I’m between two art schools.”

Albany High School Sophomore, Mickayla Woody said she thinks she knows what she wants to do but the event was still helpful.

Hundreds of area students get a chance to ask area businesses questions about future career options

“There’s agriculture and there’s animal science,” said Woody. “I want to be a Marine Biologist. I really love the water and I really love animals and so I think that’s the perfect thing for me.”

Students were encouraged to talk with area employers and ask questions by receiving raffle tickets from booth workers which they submit to qualify to win prizes at the end of the day.

“The raffle tickets are two-fold to get them engaged with the businesses” said Brown. “The student doesn’t realize they’re learning in the process. They are more interested in the raffle ticket because they want to earn the prizes but they’re learning about the businesses that are here in the area at the same time.”