UCS students put things in reverse with career fair

“This project pushed students to go beyond normal research,” said HHS academy advisor Melissa Rice. “They have really zeroed in on what type of specialty they would like to focus on, and it is helping them chart their path as to what they plan to do after high school.” 

Nearly 40 careers were showcased at the reverse career fair. HHS sophomore Ariel Grembos presented on the pathologist's assistant career.  

“Not everybody would take the time to make a display board about their career, they would just go straight to it. But with this, you're talking about the career and explaining why you want to do it and how much research goes into it,” Grembos explained. 

“This project really did help me figure out what I wanted to do, how I wanted to go about it and whether or not I would be able to handle it, because you know yourself more than anybody else knows you.” 

The reverse career fair served as an authentic learning experience for HHS sophomores, Rice shared.  

“Not only are we looking at their research and how much effort went into creating their presentation boards, but a lot of it is their professionalism skills - how well are they communicating, eye contact, shaking hands - all of those important soft skills that are very necessary to be successful in the medical field today,” said Rice. 

As sophomores advance into their third year in the academy next year, this project will be built upon as students prepare to job shadow with local medical professionals throughout their community.