5th Annual Poughkeepsie High School Career and Job Fair

Student scholars at Poughkeepsie High School met with more than 60 local businesses and organizations to learn about potential career pathways on Thursday, April 19 at the 5th Annual Career & Job Fair at Poughkeepsie High School. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place beforehand to kick off the career and job fair. Special guests including New York State Senator, Sue Serino, Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro, and Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie, Rob Rolison, attended the ceremony and said a few words to the attendees. This event was presented by the Poughkeepsie City School District, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Career Action Center.
 
The students of Poughkeepsie High School were able to match their skills and interests to real-world choices by interacting and networking with professionals. Students were inspired after hearing unique stories of how these exhibitors became successful in their industry. Exhibitors were asked to bring promotional materials for both the students and their fellow presenters. The Career and Job fair served as a format for networking for students and professionals alike.
 
While the Career and Job Fair only lasted one day, students will be able to follow up on the information they learned about with the Poughkeepsie High School Career Action Center. The Career Action Center is a service located directly in the Poughkeepsie high school with two dedicated mentors and has an open-door policy so that whenever students are not in class, they are welcome to stop by for whatever they need. The Career Action Center offers a comfortable environment in which students can ask questions and get help with things like resumes or job searches. They offer a more intensive Career Exploration Class that prepares students for post-secondary education, assists with finding employment, and offers local internship opportunities. This class provides students with invaluable experiences and skills through internships. Internship experience allows students to become aware of the skills required for a particular career and helps them become better prepared to choose a career path. The opportunities available to students through the Career Action Center at Poughkeepsie High School not only benefit their day-to-day experiences but also prepare them for future successful careers.
 
The Career Action Center is a program under The Workforce Development Center. Since 1996, the Workforce Development Center has successfully linked businesses to the public workforce system. Their staff works to increase business access to qualified workers, and ensure income-eligible residents are prepared for the workplace environment, its responsibilities, and retention.
 
For more information about the Career Action Center, or the Workforce Development Center visit www.dcrcoc.org or call Audra B. Gerty at (845) 454-1700 ext. 1007.