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 2008 and we expect nearly 2,000 in 2009.  Each year the number and type of interactive exhibits has expanded to better meet the needs of schools and students from the region.  In 2009 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.

Date of Events:  October 20 (SMSU), and Oct 21 (MNWEST-Worthington) of 2009

Time:  9:00 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.   or    12:15 p.m. to  2:25 p.m. (schools will be invited to a specific location and time based on proximity to the campus)

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.

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: 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 Sponsors: Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota River Valley Education District, SW/WC Service Cooperative, ISEEK, Junior Achievement, Marshall Rotary, and many regional businesses and service agencies.

Photo Gallery

For additional information about the event please contact:

Cori Ann Dahlager

Career Expo Coordinator

SMSU Graduate Office

Dahlager@southwestmsu.edu

Office- 507-537-6819

Fax- 507-537-6420