The TAHS sophomore class joined sophomores from nine other school districts across the region on April 17 at the Blair County BASICS/Rotary Career Fair. This event happens every April at the Blair County Convention Center.

At the career fair, students got the opportunity to learn about some of the many career fields that are available in this area.  Students could choose from nearly 80 different career categories to help them to learn more about what they are like and the preparation required to enter each field.

Some careers represented at the Convention Center involved a post secondary degree like physical therapist, biomedical specialists, secondary teacher, elementary teacher, medicine, law and other college track careers.

Sophomore Kayla Michenfelder decided to look towards the careers that required a college degree. “The career that I found interest in was secondary education. I have always had interest in teaching and the people presenting made my decision more clear,” said Michenfelter.

Other careers did not necessarily require a four year degree like welding, program designers, photography, and web design.

“I learned that welding is a good job that pays a great income and there is definitely a need,” said sophomore Haydn Loudenslager.

This is why the expose is such a valuable experience for Tyrone students. While a lot of students plan to attend college, many others are planning to go to a technology school or straight into the workforce.  No matter what their career plans, students had something to look forward to at the Convention Center.

A lot of planning goes into this event, which Tyrone sophomores have attended for over ten years.

“Miss Kline surveys the students to determine what careers they would like to learn about,” said TAHS guidance counselor Tiffany Johannides.

Prior to the day of the career fair, students choose four career paths that they are interested in. Based on their answers, they are matched with representatives of businesses and organizations in their chosen areas of interest.

At the career fair students heard opening remarks from representatives of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Sheetz corporation. The students then broke into small groups of 10-15 students at tables throughout the convention center, where they met with career representatives for 20 minutes each. Each student got to meet with four different presenters.

Students in Mr. David Rutter’s English classes complete a writing assignment when they return to school to reinforce what the students have learned.

Due to all the work that the teachers put into this event, the students have gained a lot.  The Career Fair offers students an interesting opportunity to explore their future.

“The career fair was interesting because we got to experience a lot of careers we wouldn’t normally consider,” said sophomore Maggie Parks.