On Tuesday 19 November Elsa High School students from Grades 9-12 attended the annual Elsa High School section Careers Fair. The afternoon began with an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote speech from Consul General Amir Lati, whom we thank for his generous time with our students. 

The Fair was structured as a series of mini-sessions where each student had the chance to talk with over 20 career professionals. In keeping with previous years the participants were from varied professions, they were enthusiastic, engaged, positive and pleased to meet the students.  There was also keen interest and engagement from our students, with discussions running on until past closing. 

The event was planned by Mr. Sean Saar-Naville and we would like to thank Mr. Saar-Naville, the PTA, and all the visiting professionals for their time and dedication to this event, and for making it such a valuable experience for our students. 

Mr Adam Darell, MYP Coordinator

Student Reflections:

Going into the Careers Fair, I was surprised by the energy and variety of presenters. I was filled with excitement to meet the participants and to talk to the presenters from a wide range different fields. From 3D printing to sports management, healthcare, book writing, sustainability, finance, I.T, and more, we all had the amazing opportunity to talk to and learn from these professionals.
 
One of the conversations that really stood out to me was with a representative from the 3D printing field. I learned how this technology is revolutionising industries in ways I hadn’t thought of before. I also enjoyed talking to a sports management professional who shared her journey and practical advice on breaking into that field. The healthcare professionals, specifically surgeons, were passionate about their roles, emphasising the impact they have on people's lives, which was inspiring to hear. Additionally, I spoke with a representative from the finance sector, specifically private equity, who explained how investment strategies can shape businesses and drive innovation. Those were just a few of the many conversations I had. It was very enlightening to hear diverse perspectives and experiences. 

Overall, the Careers Fair provided valuable insights into the real world. This experience helped me realise that there are more options out there than I initially thought; moving forward, considering all that I have learned, I plan to research more and slowly find my path for the future. 

Lyora, Grade 9

This years Careers Fair was one of the few events where I had genuinely wished that it wouldn’t end. As this is my first Careers Fair, I was taken aback by the number of highly qualified people there who took time out of their busy lives to talk about each of their vocations. Each guest had so much experience to share with our school and many of us took the opportunity and ran with it. 

As I met and came to speak with a wider range of people, I was excited to learn about creative occupations, such as Mr. Burgee’s bespoke content consultation and creation firm; this was a field he had been passionate about since his childhood. I learnt of the intricacies of each and every profession behind those doors, by looking at both the benefits and drawbacks of their profession, and asked many questions as to how their living supports them, their loved ones, and their self-fulfilment needs. 

Over those short 75 minutes, I learnt so much about how our world works and how each career path contributes to our communities. From physical coaching, to finance, to journalism, to writing, to entrepreneurship, every table in the hall had its expertises and crafts honed and perfected to an impressive degree.

All in all, everything I learnt from my first Careers Fair will not be forgotten, and I hope I’ll be able to use their words effectively to better myself both personally and professionally.

Noah, Grade 10

Going into the Careers Fair, I expected to gain insights into various industries. I hoped to connect with recruiters and professionals who could give me guidance on my career path and I aimed to gather information on internships and networking strategies. 

My first impression upon entering the hall was a bit overwhelming. I was surrounded by 22 booths and professionals, many of whom I found intriguing. One standout conversation was with a personal trainer. He emphasised the importance of resilience and pushing through tough times. He said if you listen to the voice in your head telling you that you will fail, you will. This advice really resonated with me as I am quite harsh on myself and entering Grade 11 has presented me with many challenges. Moving forward, my next steps involve researching university programs and career fields that I found interesting during the Careers Fair. I want to dive deeper into these options to make the best decisions about my future. 
 
Sadie, Grade 11

Every year, I eagerly look forward to the careers fair. It's an invaluable opportunity for students to explore various careers. We were grouped into threes and given seven minutes at each table. With 22 tables showcasing different paths, the range of options felt endless. Engaging with professionals from a range of diverse areas—including business, architecture, art, law, wellness, and sustainability—offered firsthand insights into the different career paths available. This experience is significant as it broadens our understanding of what is out there to help us envision our futures.

One piece of advice, a recurring theme, that stood out to me is the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with your passions.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear how passionately they spoke about their chosen career and their professional journey to pursue what they love to do today. They emphasised that pursuing what excites you can lead to both personal fulfilment and professional success, highlighting the joy of waking up every day to do what you love.

This resonated with me deeply, especially as I am approaching the beginning of my journey as a graduate student. It was a powerful reminder that we can turn our interests into a fulfilling and meaningful career. I left the career fair more motivated than ever and I truly want to thank the planners of this event for making it a success year after year.

Ella, Grade 12

I attended the 2024 Careers Fair with much more interest than in previous years. This year's event was notable for its diverse range of participants from niche professions. One experience that stood out was the creative director's booth. The professional shared his work experience, which I found fascinating. The role intrigued me because a creative director seems to have a lot of freedom and is client-focused. Since I enjoy interacting with people and consider it a strength, this career path appealed to me.

After the fair, I felt reassured knowing that many professionals I spoke with didn't have everything figured out at a young age. I'm excited to take on the next challenge of my life at university, where I hope to solidify my career path.

Aarussh, Grade 12

As a Grade 12 student, although I’ve always known about what subject and major I want to study, this Career Fair gave me a thorough understanding of different occupations. Since I’ve always been interested in medicine and medical research, I was really excited when I found out that there was a medical doctor, and I really enjoyed talking to her as we discussed various medical related topics. Talking with her also solidified my interest and passion in medicine, and confirmed that my interest really lies within the medical field.

Charlotte, Grade 12