WVHS Career Fair highlights opportunities for every path

Warwick Valley High School students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways during this year’s Career Fair, connecting with professionals from across the region and gaining insight into future possibilities.

The event featured more than 40 organizations representing a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, law enforcement, finance, skilled trades, education, and the military. Organizations such as Columbia Medical Center, St. Anthony’s Community Hospital, the New York State Police, Universal Technical Institute, and the U.S. Marines gave students the opportunity to engage directly with professionals and learn about careers both locally and beyond.

“The Career Fair exposes students to all the possibilities, especially within our area and job opportunities,” said Mary Fox, head of guidance. “We want them to take a moment and explore what a career is really about, and then work backwards. ‘How do I get there?’ It’s all part of the self-exploration process – learning more about who they are, what they want to do, and hopefully finding a pathway to get there.”

To help students make the most of the experience, they were encouraged to come prepared to engage in meaningful conversations. Ahead of the event, students received guidance on how to introduce themselves professionally and ask thoughtful questions about career pathways, required education and training, and what a typical day in a role might look like.

For many students, the event offered a new perspective on the range of opportunities available to them. Senior Cara Calone said the experience helped her realize just how many options exist.

“The career fair showed me all the different opportunities that are out there,” she said. “I didn’t realize how many possibilities there are, and I’m really glad we have something like this to see everything in one place.”

Although Cara already has a summer job lined up as a camp counselor at Pine Island Recreation, she also found the event helpful in identifying ways to continue building her experience.

“I spoke with someone from the Orange County Youth Bureau, and they explained how I can find volunteer opportunities,” she said. “That’s really helpful for me right now.”

Students also noted that the fair highlighted multiple pathways to success, whether through college, entering the workforce, or taking time to gain experience. Junior Danellen Bussell pointed out that many organizations offered options that support different goals and timelines, including opportunities to work, save money, and plan for the future.

“If you want to take a gap year before college, there are many places here where you can work and save money, like ShopRite,” she said.

For others, the event helped connect personal interests to potential careers. Junior Naylani Lopez, who enjoys music, was excited to see opportunities related to her passion.

“There were a lot of people connected to music and different programs,” she said. “It wasn’t what I expected, in a good way. There’s really so much out there.”

From free candy and yo-yos to future aspirations, students like Aedyn Conway appreciated both the immediate and long-term value of the experience.

“I think it’s important because it helps you define your future,” he said. “It helps you figure out who you want to be and gives you ideas for a career.”

By bringing together professionals from a wide range of fields and encouraging students to ask questions, make connections, and reflect on their interests, the Career Fair continues to play an important role in helping Warwick Valley students explore their futures and take the first steps toward achieving their goals.