Orcutt Academy holds career day for students

The Orcutt Academy campus was filled with special visitors on Friday morning. In addition to students and staff, more than 50 professionals from a variety of industries were there to take part in the school’s annual Career Day.

Some of the people who attended included those in law enforcement, health and medical industry, forest service, military, banking, engineering, education, security, culinary and television news.

Brenda Williams, media specialist at the school, handles the planning for the event. Williams notes the Orcutt Academy Career Day is a little bit different from other similar events in the area.

“A lot of the other schools will have more like fairs, where they set up tables and people can come by,” said Williams. “We actually schedule the kids. They get to chose who they want to see. I think what’s important is they get to ask questions. They’re a captive audience.”

Held for more than three hours, students listen to each speaker for forty minutes, before moving on to the next period.

Sophomore Ellie Casazza was excited to take part. She began her morning listening to Dave Alley, who spoke about the news industry and his experiences working at KCOY 12 Central Coast News for the past 20 years.

“We need to know what’s out there,” said Casazza. “We need to know what jobs we can do. “

Casazza said she appreciates the opportunity to speak with working adults in personable setting, as opposed to just reading about a profession online.

“We actually get to go out and talk to people that are actually in the fields, so instead of just reading it on a computer and read a description, we can ask in-depth questions,” said Casazza.

Casazza adds the day is particularly important for older students who are close to making important career decisions.

“It’s especially good for seniors because they’re about to go out and they’re about to do this. They get to learn what different jobs are out there and they have priorities, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Casazza.

Williams agrees and adds she’s most pleased when a student tells her they are looking at career after listening to presentation during the event.

“It makes it rewarding,” said Williams. “It makes all the work rewarding and worth it. It helps them plan for their future and gives them a taste of what career they may or may not be interested in.”