Girls discover numerous possibilities at career forum

‘WORLD OF CHOICES’ ATTRACTS ABOUT 150 FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Young women from across southern Alberta learned about the world of possibilities available after high school graduation.

On Thursday, it was the 17th annual “World of Choices” Young Women’s Career Forum, hosted by Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta.

About 150 female students in Grades 10-12 from Lethbridge, Coleman, Lundbreck, Magrath, Picture Butte and Taber, took part in the half-day event at the Italian Canadian Club.

They had the opportunity to chat one-on-one or in small groups with about 30 female career mentors from all walks of life. Students learned what a day in the life of these professionals is like and what education and qualifications are needed to reach their goals.

There were representatives from Fire and Emergency Services, Lethbridge Police, Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces, a funeral director, a photographer, a lawyer, and more.

The goal is to leave the women feeling better prepared and more confident to face the challenges of the modern working world after graduation.

“We like to provide a variety of different occupations for students to check out an provide them an opportunity to meet with career mentors who are successful in their fields,” said Shelly Flexhaug, JASA Regional Co-ordinator, Lethbridge & Area.

Making career connections with mentors is “very important” for young women soon to graduate, she said.

“Because they’re just stepping out into the world. They need to have a little exposure to people in the field. Some might be too shy or not know where to start in making connections, so this provides that venue to make a connection with a mentor.”

The forum is also a chance to step outside the box and learn about careers they may not have even considered.

“We’ve had feedback from students in previous years that have gone to a table that was not a consideration, they went just for the fun of it, and ended up seriously considering that as a career after speaking with the mentor,” said Flexhaug. “So, those types of relationships we can connect or expose to the students is valuable.”

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