Columbia State Community College recently hosted a career fair in the Webster Gymnasium for eighth graders in Maury County.

“Some students may know what they want to be, but many either have yet to think about it or have limited knowledge of what types of careers are available,” Yolanda Ogilvie, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “Our goal was to expose students to different career options in a number of work fields, as well as the education and skills required for that career.”

Columbia State hosted the event in partnership with Maury County schools. Approximately 1,000 Maury County eighth grade students were in attendance. Students met with and discussed career options with over 30 professionals from a host of fields that included healthcare, law enforcement, business, hospitality, logistics, technology and much more.

Kiara Simerly, a senior at Columbia Central High School, and James Webb, a junior, manned a table for DECA, a club preparing students for careers in marketing.

“Today we’re here for the marketing program and DECA at Columbia Central High School,” said Simerly. “I hope these students take away something that they’re excited about for high school and even after high school to pursue in their life.”

“This event shows the students what to expect in high school, different programs and different colleges,” said Webb. “It’s always good to have an open mind because they may not know what they want to do. Having the best options in front of you is the best way to go about planning for your future.”

Students also had the opportunity to have interactive conversations with representatives from different career fields, as well as discover the education and skills that are required.