Photo by Edward Osinski Elementary school students found information about dozens of different careers at a career fair hosted by Fitzgerald High School on July 16.

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — Recent Fitzgerald High School graduate Brian Tumpkin offered sound advice for the Fitzgerald Public Schools elementary students enrolled in the district’s summer school program. 

“A career is something you want to last,” he said. “Make sure it’s something you like doing.”

“You need to do in a lifetime what you like to do, “ echoed Laura Sandzik, FPS student advocate and Workforce Investment Act facilitator.

Their words kicked off the district’s second annual Kiddie Career Fair, which was held the morning of July 16 at the high school. The event was designed to motivate young students into thinking about their career options.

The elementary students — from Schofield, Mound Park and Westview — received some insight into different career choices as they moved from table to table talking to individuals from various professions. FHS students escorted the younger students.

More than 40 working professionals shared information about their jobs, the education requirements needed for their careers, their profession’s challenges and more. The career fair included individuals from the following areas: arts and communication; business, management, marketing and technology; human services; engineering; and health and science. Representatives came from the U.S. Marine Corps, Detroit Medical Facility, Macomb Community College culinary arts program, the Warren Police and Fire departments and more.

“This is your chance to find out how each of the people chose their careers and the education they needed to reach their goal,” FPS Superintendent Barbara VanSweden said.

VanSweden also emphasized the importance of keeping up academically.

“That’s what’s going to get you into college or a training program, so you can get the job you want to have” she said. 

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts, serving as the keynote speaker, compared career preparation to sailing.

“If you don’t have a destination, you’ll be afloat without anywhere to go,” he said. “It’s never too early to explore the choices, especially when the market changes so rapidly. This career fair is the first step in making a career choice. Next, talk to your teachers and your parents.”

And not everything will be carved in stone.

“You’re going to change your minds about careers,” Fouts said.

Things have changed dramatically in the last few decades when choosing a career. When Fouts was in high school, it was typical for graduates to find good jobs at Ford, Chrysler or General Motors.

“That’s not the case anymore,” Warren’s top official said. “A lot of jobs are gone.”

The retired high school teacher encouraged the elementary students to ask plenty of questions as they made their way through the career fair.