Career Expo Fact Sheet     Career Expo Slideshow

Since 2002, a number of education and workforce agencies, and regional businesses have cooperated to provide regional “Career Exploration Days” for high school students.  In recent years the event has evolved into a highly interactive “Career Expo”.  Hundreds of business, agency and education volunteers work together to provide this opportunity for high school sophomores.  Over 1,700 students participated in 2009 and we expect nearly 2,000 in 2010.  Each year the number and type of interactive exhibits has expanded to better meet the needs of schools and students from the region.  In 2010 the “Southwest Minnesota Career Expo” will be hosted at two sites:  Minnesota West Community and Technical College-Worthington Campus and Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.

The Southwest Minnesota Career Expo has the following objectives.  High school sophomores will:

• gain information about careers and educational options by attending interactive sessions, a career game show, and a career planning presentation.

• investigate career options that align with their skills and interests.
• improve job seeking skills and understanding of what employers need.
• become more aware of career opportunities right here in southwest Minnesota.

Participants:  2,700 area sophomores from the Minnesota West Carl Perkins Consortium (formerly the Southwest Minnesota and MRVED Perkins Consortiums) will be invited to participate.

Date and Time of Events: 

September 28, 2010 (SMSU),

Morning Group - 9:15 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.   or    Afternoon Group- 12:15 p.m. to  2:25 p.m.

September 29, 2010 (MNWEST-Worthington)

Morning Group - 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.   (NO AFTERNOON SESSION)

Schedule of the day:

• 60 minutes with the exhibit area interacting with different careers
• 60 minutes at the “Career is Right” session
• No food will be served at this event.  Student should bring sack lunches to eat on the bus or patronize one of the many restaurants in Worthington or Marshall. We will provide a list of possible eating establishments prior to the event.

Registration: Schools will be invited to a specific location and time based on proximity to the campus.  To register your school, please click on this link to see the schedule of location and times for each school.   Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Once you have seen the time and location assignment for your school, please email your confirmation to attend to Laurie.VanWatermeulen@swsc.org.  Please include the advisor’s name and contact information, confirmation that you will provide supervision at a 25 to 1 ratio, and the number of students attending.  Further instructions will be emailed to the advisor several weeks prior to the event.

Sample Assignments: Students are more engaged and enjoy their experience more when schools provide an “assignment” to complete as they participate in the Game Show and Exhibits.  Examples of assignments other schools have used may be viewed here.
 

Event Partners: Minnesota West Carl Perkins Consortium, Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University, Southwest Initiative Foundation, SW/WC Service Cooperative, ISEEK, Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and many regional businesses and service agencies.

Photo Gallery

For additional information about the event please contact:

Tom Hoff

Career and Technical Project Coordinator

SW/WC Service Cooperative

1420 East College Drive

Marshall, MN 56258

507-537-2271

Tom.hoff@swsc.org