The mood in the Oconee County Civic Center last Friday morning was one of possibility.

Eighth grade students from Malcom Bridge Middle School and Oconee County Middle School filed into the 5th annual Career Fair to consider options for their futures.

“We’re trying to provide some kind of guidance for them so they can think about the future,” said Daphne Bailey, Oconee County’s school to Career Coordinator.

Representatives from local businesses, military recruiters, and members of student groups from both of the county high schools set up booths throughout the room. They were ready to answer questions and give students as much food for thought as possible in considering their career choices.

Participants represented careers in medicine, culinary arts, journalism, sanitation, finance, cosmetology, and more.

Students came equipped with questions to ask about the professions that interested them.

“We’re asking ‘If we want to do that job, what we have to do in high school?’” said MBMS student Will Toney. 

Students asked what sorts of courses they should take in high school and college, with “How important is math, really?” being a common inquiry.

Many knew what field they wanted to explore, visiting the children’s services and nursing tables right away, while others considered a good mix of career options.

MBMS students Kylie Bush and Sarah McCannon roamed the room together.

“I think I probably want to do something in fashion,” said McCannon.

“I’d like to design clothes,” said Bush.

“I also thought I might be a teacher,” said McCannon.

“Or a nurse,” added Bush.

Students stopped to speak with Army and Navy recruiters, asking what their role in the military is and what benefits the job comes with.

Army staff Sgt. Christopher Walcott told the students that he had been to Iraq three times, and Navy instructor Wendell Stephens addressed what the military looks for in its recruits.

“The biggest benefit to the military is a cream of the crop college degree,” he said.

As students visited with representatives from Athens First Bank and Roll Off Systems garbage collection service, more questions flew about starting salaries, time commitments and the ever-popular “Do you like your job?”

As effective as the Career Fair was in giving students more information about careers they might want to pursue, it was equally effective in steering them away from jobs that just might not be for them.

Tiffany Robinson, a MBMS student who enjoyed learning about child development, firefighting, the Navy and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program at the high schools, found out after speaking with a paralegal that the profession wasn’t for her.

Overall, Bailey considered the Career Fair another huge success – and an opportunity for students to explore their options.

 “We’re planting seeds for the future,” she said.

Anna Dolianitis is a reporter at The Oconee Leader. She can be reached at 706-310-1104 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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