Northeast Missouri eighth-grade career expo Wednesday offers opportunity to explore career paths

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Douglass Community Services, Moberly Area Community College, Gamm, HREDC, Hannibal Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, Truman State University and Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department are combining to offer the fourth annual eighth-grade career expo will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.

This event provides an opportunity for students to explore a wide variety of career paths, learn about different industries and gain insights into the skills and education required for future success.

The expo is designed to help eighth-grade students begin thinking about their future careers by engaging with professionals from healthcare, technology, business, engineering, medicine and more. More than 25 local businesses and community organizations will participate, offering hands-on demonstrations, informational materials and one-on-one interactions.

Highlights of the Career Expo are:

• Industry professionals: Representatives from various sectors will be on hand to share their personal experiences and career insights.
• Interactive activities: Students will participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations offering a glimpse into the daily responsibilities of different jobs.
• Career exploration: A wide range of careers will be represented, allowing students to explore multiple paths for their futures.
• Q&A sessions: Students can ask questions and receive advice about career development, education, and skill-building.

“We are thrilled to offer this exciting event to our students,” Stephanie Cooper, CEO of Douglass Community Services, said in a press release. “The expo helps spark interest in different professions and encourages students to think about their educational journey and the possibilities available to them. It’s an important step in helping them make informed career decisions.”

The event is open to all eighth-grade students in the northeast Missouri area. Fourteen schools will be in attendance, bringing nearly 900 area eighth-graders to the event. 

For more information about the Career Expo, contact Cooper at 573-221-3892 or Stephanie@douglassonline.org.