Career Fair spurs students toward higher learning
IMPERIAL — The annual College & University Day Career Fair at Imperial Valley College here was a unique occasion to gage rewarding prospects recently.
Over 100 exhibitors attended including 30 colleges, and an equal number of IVC department representatives networked with 1,600 students from grades six through 12, as well as IVC students, said Patricia Robles, coordinator of economic and workforce development at IVC.
“It is a chance to meet with reps from different four-year universities if they want to transfer, or get acquainted with community employers who hire our students,” said Robles.
Exploring the possibility of transferring was Jesus Fletes, a pre-engineering freshman who met with a recruiter from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A student Fletes knows at Santa Barbara touted the engineering program, so he is applying for as many grants as possible to afford tuition by 2019. “I visited, and it’s a nice campus,” said Fletes. “I’ll miss Imperial Valley, but it’s a great opportunity to explore the world out there.”
Jose Cardenas, a political science sophomore, is considering a career in the public defender’s office. Meanwhile, he tutors in graphics, journalism and performing arts as part of the After School Education and Safety program as he contemplates applying to UC Riverside. “I have a couple of friends there and checked out
the programs. It’s a really beautiful campus.”
What Riverside is looking for are high school students with at least a 3.0 GPA or transferring with a 2.4 or higher GPA noted Maira Hernandez, an admissions recruiter. To be competitive, she advised students take Advanced Placement classes. And they highly value students who assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities or volunteer in community
organizations. Those whose annual family income is under $80,000 are eligible for grants that cover the full amount of systemwide fees.
“Students should definitely apply because they sometimes underestimate themselves,” she said. “Do your research, understand admissions policy. We work as much as possible to make it affordable as 86 percent qualify for financial aid.”
Nalley Velasco, a junior
at Holtville High School, was looking specifically to enroll at a four-year university such as Point Loma Nazarene University or California State University San Bernardino, but on Thursday she was inquiring at the Northern Arizona University information table. She hopes to study psychology and criminology.
“I’d like to be a legal assistant,” she said. “I’m excited to leave the Valley because it’ll be a different
experience. I’d consider a community college, but I really want a four-year school.”
Showing off a one-kilowatt portable solar panel array that cost $1,000 to build was Frank Miranda, IVC Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning instructor. On display outside the DePaoli Sports Complex, Miranda was re-charging students’ smartphones. His solar array can power household appliances except
air conditioning, which requires a three-kilowatt array. Once inside the DePaoli Complex Miranda extolled the future for qualified technicians.
“We have a two year Associate’s Degree or a two-semester certificate,” he said. “We’ll need 150,000 technicians through 2022. Entry level pays about $13/$14 an hour. But with even a certificate there’s opportunities to learn, and you keep moving up on the job.”