Junior Achievement’s World of Choices aims to broaden students’ career horizons

Junior Achievement’s fourth annual “World of Choices” mentorship conference took place at the Cypress Centre Auditorium Wednesday.

The event brings local high school students together with Medicine Hat-based professionals in various fields in informal conversations to give the students a chance to hear from somebody working successfully in the local job market. About 170 students were present at the Cypress Centre, and 35 mentors.

Eagle Butte High School teacher Ann Morrison, who has brought her own students three years in a row, said “World of Choices” helps students gain perspective on the many different career avenues they could take.

“Students spend a lot of time considering their career choices,” said Morrison. “You cannot beat being able to talk to people who are actually in those jobs ... With Junior Achievement they have this set up so well for us, where they are paying for the busing and lunch for students. They are obviously passionate about providing this opportunity for students. And it’s been wonderful for our students to be able to benefit from it.”

Eagle Butte Grade 11 student Ty Jans certainly appreciated the opportunity. Jans is considering a career in teaching.

“It’s interesting to see what is out there and consider what I can do with my life,” Jans said. “It’s a big choice next year, and something like this provides lots more information for me ... Getting to talk to the mentors is the best part of this experience. You can go on websites, and search however far you want, but you really don’t know what the job would be like, or what you would actually do. This way, you can talk to someone who has actually done it before.”

Junior Achievement regional leadership committee chair Shawna Wanke said that was what “World of Choices” was all about: Helping students gain clarity and perspective on their potential career choices.

“We are showing youth the importance of thinking about their future. And thinking about the decisions that are right for them,” she said.