By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The number of post-graduation opportunities continues to grow for high school students.
So, too, does the number of vendors eager to showcase what they have to offer.
More than 40 representatives from colleges, businesses, and military branches showed up recently at Union City High School to display their respective brands to students at the annual UCHS College & Career Fair.
UC Schools Career Counselor Lisa Carson tirelessly put together the impressive exhibit, welcoming a tremendous turnout that included 21 colleges and universities and several local and area businesses.
“Our basic goal with this was to expose students to the many post-secondary opportunities in the immediate and extended area,” Carson said. “We had a tremendous turnout on the business side and with colleges, universities, and TCAT.
“There are so many different options out there for young people. Along with allowing them to explore multiple opportunities, this permits them to build relationships and network with people who are already heavily involved in those fields. They can get information and questions answered from those who are already down the road in a specific career path.”
Vendors dispersed information while answering a variety of questions from the UCHS student body. Many students also took home brochures and pamphlets and were given “reminders” of opportunities in the form of key chains, hats, shirts, lanyards, and other “swag.”
Southeastern Conference universities Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt were among the schools represented. UT Martin, Murray State, UT-Chattanooga, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, Austin Peay, Union University, and Tennessee Tech were also in attendance, as were Cumberland, Trevecca, Bethel, North Alabama, Freed-Hardeman, and Northern Ohio.
Community colleges Dyersburg State and Jackson State were there, as was TCAT Northwest (Newbern).
Military branches represented were the U.S. Army, The National Guard, and the Tennessee Air National Guard.
Recruiters from local and area businesses included ATA, First Citizens National Bank, Union City Fire Department/EMS, Job World, Baptist Hospital, Leaders Credit Union, TSAC, Union City Police Department and Titan Tire. Also with a booth were Commercial Bank, Dynamix, Union City Energy Authority, Discovery Park, Manpower, and Vocational Rehab.
“We have an excellent group of students at UCHS that will be our working community in less than 5 years,” Carson said. “It is our goal and responsibility to make sure we have equipped them to be prepared for the task ahead. Whether it be as a police officer, nurse, electrician, or teacher, we need to do our best to train and retain them in our hometown.
In addition to the Senior Class of 2025, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen were permitted to attend the fair.
Carson, who also noted the benefits of a Career Exploration class for Union City Middle Schoolers, said: “We feel like it’s important to include our younger students – not just seniors – when it comes to providing information on what’s out there when it comes time to choose a career path.
“Studies show that the earlier that students are introduced to specific paths, the greater likelihood they are to be on track in a particular field when it’s time to graduate.”