Central Nine Career Center, located in Greenwood, recently welcomed over 70 businesses to campus for its annual Career Day, where all students were provided the opportunity to network and explore local careers. As excited business professionals lined the halls, they were able to recruit and share their positive experiences with students.
“This has always been an awesome opportunity for our students,” says Brad Magness, Visual Communication instructor. “To have this many industry partners in one place for the students to meet, discuss and potentially interview for a position in their career field is truly amazing.”
Central Nine’s Career Day provides students the opportunity to explore careers; more businesses get involved every year. Donley Safety attended Career Day for the second year. Derek Ralph, a Central Nine alumni from the class of 2018, was recruited to work for Donley Safety at last year’s Career Day and served as a representative this year.
“It started last year with my Central Nine instructor,” Ralph said. “He pushed me towards this place (Donley Safety) and showed me what they did and I’ve enjoyed doing what they’ve been having me do this entire time.”
During his time as a student, Ralph participated in the Diesel Technology program with his instructor, James Prince, where he studied various aspects of diesel fueled vehicles including AC installation. “Right now (at Donley Safety) I’m remounting ambulances and helping to redo the flooring while putting in new heating and air conditioning,” he said.
Alison Huey, the Career Pathways counselor who coordinates both of the Career and College Day events, said, “It is such an honor to be here and witness first-hand how valuable these days can be. Not only do we, the faculty, get to witness our students in action as they use the career skills we teach, but we also had the opportunity to see a student come back to us after graduation and share his success. Thank you to all Central Nine staff for making this day a huge success; specifically, John Showalter and Jerry Overby for the setup and breakdown of the event, and to the culinary program for preparing lunch.”
