Building 8, Mt. Townsend welcomed students and community members to its career fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local organizations of all varieties from STEM to military rejoiced under one roof, providing diverse resources to all.

A typical event with a fun twist – Career and Transfer Services made sure to keep Thunderbirds engaged through refreshments and music, as well as a bingo sheet that could be entered in a drawing for fun prizes.

Amidst a broad range of booths stood a representative  from our very own Highline Public Schools, searching to hire for anything from entry-level kitchen staff to camp counselors and paraeducators. 

Heber Molina, Recruitment and Retention Program Manager for the district, was no stranger to career fairs, marking over 15 in this year alone. “We get good candidates that can fill vacant positions[…]we can provide resources,” said Molina, explaining his enthusiasm for the event.

Make no mistake, career fairs are not just beneficial to employers but just about anyone. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, almost one-quarter of survey participants received a job after attending a fair.

Not only do they help students get their foot in the door as they navigate the world of networking, they can even explore environments they had never considered before.

With a wide range of different opportunities, career fairs are important to fuel passion. Junior Achievement of Washington — a non-profit dedicated to teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship and more to all youth — made sure to emphasize this. 

“You should build a career based on what makes you happy,” said Senior Regional Program Manager Darby Martin, explaining that enthusiasm is incredibly visible to employers. “It’s really important to get info to students to build them up and give them opportunities.”

As one of Highline College’s main buildings flooded with aspiring employees, it’s safe to expect another career fair in the future.