College fairs and career fairs have become commonplace at local high schools and universities in recent years, but Turlock Christian is an exception. Teachers and administrators at this private school have always planned students’ higher education and career options, but the experience of having potential employers and educators discuss career paths one-on-one with students was unique. . One TC counselor set out to change that by hosting the first-ever career fair with Turlock Christian College on Tuesday afternoon.
The event, planned with the help of middle school and high school counselor Ginger Aguiar, included Stanislaus State University, UC Merced, Merced College, Modesto Junior College, Grand Canyon University, Jessup College, Harvest and more. Universities, military branches and local businesses participated. Department, Army, Marine Corps, Turning Point USA, Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, Turlock Irrigation District, Foster Farms, P&F Metals, Yosemite Farm Credit, and Associated Feed.
An estimated 200 members of the TC campus community attended.
“It was a great opportunity for students to see what several universities and local businesses have to offer in terms of majors, paths, professions, and future career opportunities,” Aguiar said.
Aguiar explained that she was inspired to host the fair for students after seeing similar events happening at surrounding schools, including Turlock Unified Schools and specifically the Hilmar Unified Campus. Her son attends Hilmar High School in part because of family proximity and has seen the fairs held at those campuses be successful.
“When I saw the opportunities that Hilmar offered, I wanted my kids to have that opportunity,” she said. “So many students enter our schools and take so many different paths after graduation. Not everyone will follow the same path, so it’s important to get them to start thinking about their next steps early on. It’s important. And having as many options in front of them as we want at career fairs is a huge help in that process.”
Aguiar began planning the fair in early August after surveying students about their aspirations after graduation.
“There are a wide variety of careers that students are interested in, so what I did was contact as many relevant companies and programs as possible to invite them here. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to participate. No, but there are still quite a few people participating.”
Additionally, she has seen a trend where students are increasingly interested in learning the industry rather than attending a four-year university. Enrollment in mechanic and repair trade programs increased by 11.5% from spring 2021 to 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.
“I think most students plan on attending a four-year college after high school,” Aguiar explained. “But more and more students are deciding not to do that. Given the competitiveness and cost these days, that’s not a reality for many students. Maybe they’re choosing to attend a community college. A four-year degree is often helpful, but students have plenty of options. I want you to.”
Tuesday’s Merced University contingent included members of the CTE (Career Technical Education) program, including welding, auto shop and electrical professors and students.
What was somewhat unique about the TC campus was that a small number of students were interested in the clergy, hoping to become ministers as adults.
“When you survey these students and find that there is a wide range of interests, it proves that not everyone is the same and not everyone should follow the same path,” Aguiar said. “It is increasingly important that as many organizations as possible show that there is a way to achieve those dreams.”
