Students discover interests beyond Douglas High at Career Day

American International Tooling Sales Manager Kurt Broderson was demonstrating to the students the many things the manufacturing company makes.

The manufacturer was one of 25 businesses in Douglas County that filled the media center at the high school. 

“It’s all pretty cool,” said junior Colton Machando, who had spoke with Broderson. “I like welding and the CNC machines sound pretty cool. I think if I practice it, it would be something I’d be able to make a career of.”

Hosted by Douglas High School Career and Technical Education adviser Cade Baligad, Me for Incredible Youth and the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event allowed students to explore the variety of opportunities and talk to professionals about local opportunities and skills necessary to succeed in the current and future job market.

“With this opportunity of career day, I think by the end of the day I will have a pretty good idea of something I might be interested in,” said Machando.

The event introduced over 900 students to various local colleges, trade schools, local government, military recruiters and businesses. 

The exhibitors outlined existing employment opportunities as well as skills necessary to attain future higher-level employment.

“It’s really neat to come and talk to the kids and to pique their interest in a variety of different things,” said Broderson. “To help them decide what they want to do and help them understand what we do, not just with American International Tooling, but with anyone here. It’s a great opportunity.”

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Main said the event was successful.

“A number of local businesses made positive contacts for employment opportunities both now and for tomorrow,” she said.

Several different career, college and volunteer events are held throughout the Carson Valley during the year that allow businesses, nonprofits and organizations to connect with skilled, talented people and identify potential employees and volunteers. 

Like those, Main and Baligad hope to make Career and College Day an annual event at Douglas High School.   

“We hope to make this an annual event for students to provide information and tools for our students as they extend beyond Douglas High School,” said Baligad.