From land surveyor to agricultural extension educator: Fair teaches students about job possibilities

MIDDLEBORO – Mary K. Goode fifth graders Adeline Carter and Sarah Streiff had no idea that a job called a land surveyor existed. They learned about it at the Elementary Career Fair that took place Thursday, March 7, at Middleboro High School. 

The fair’s objective was to get kids thinking about careers from a young age and educate them about the variety of jobs available, explained director of Middleboro Student Services and event organizer Kevin Avitabile. Fifth grade students from Mary K. Goode and Henry B. Burkland Elementary Schools attended. 

Nearly 40 employers from all different industries came to educate students about what they do. There were representatives from well-known professions, such as teachers, nurses and chefs, as well as representatives from jobs that students had never heard of, such as land surveyors or agricultural extension educators.  

Thom White, an electrician from Middleboro who came to talk to kids about his industry, said he wished he’d attended an event like this when he was their age. 

“Hopefully I have opened their eyes and sparked an interest,” he remarked.

Jay McGrail, Middleboro town manager, was another who wished he had known more about the plethora of jobs out there as a young kid. “I didn’t know my job existed until I was in my twenties,” he admitted.   

According to Avitabile, about 40% of Middleboro students don’t attend college. “The goal is to offer a balanced representation of what careers are out there, beyond school,” said Avitabile. “We need to expose kids [to these opportunities] so that when they graduate, they feel that there is a purpose for them out in the real world.” 

Getting kids to think in a career-oriented way broadens their understanding of what the purpose of school is, said Avitabile. “School’s purpose is to make sure you are a successful adult, not a successful student. 

The hope with starting these conversations younger and younger is to “get kids to see value in whatever their interests are,” he added. 

The fair serves as the kick-off to an eight week school unit during which students will learn about job opportunities and present on a career path of their choice, added Avitabile. 

Leaving the fair, Damon Oicles, a fifth grader from Henry B. Burkland Elementary, already had a pretty good idea of what he’d like to investigate. “Either 3D printing or web design,” he answered– without a second thought. 

Lorna Brunelle, who owns the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts in Middleboro, shared a piece of advice for students interested in pursuing a career in the arts. 

“Trust yourself,” Brunelle said. “Along the way, you will have people tell you that this might not be the best career option, but trust that you can do it.” 

She finished up with a message that she knew would hit home amongst her audience. “I quoted Taylor Swift and told [the students]: ‘cause haters gonna hate, hate, hate and you just have to shake it off.’”