Careers get students' attention

Students crowded the table display of author Meredith Efken.

Architect Dan Kammerer fielded questions, including the question of just what an architect does.

A computer expert, disc jockey, lawyer, endocrinologist, cosmetologist and several others were also on hand as King Science & Technology Magnet Middle School held a career fair Wednesday.

The 29 career representatives were on hand to talk about their professions to 750 5th- through 8th-graders.

“We are always looking for suggestions, and they wanted to have a different variety of career representatives from the community, and so we do have that,” said Thang Tran, one of King's counselors.

First Data computer system administrator Paul McGrath said he was having a great time.

“I wish I'd seen a few more of the girls,” he admitted. “The girls don't seem really interested.”

Kammerer, an architect with HDR, had a sizeable crowd around him at one point.

“I've done a number of these, I really enjoy it,” he said.

Some of his student visitors didn't know what an architect did.

“I would just as soon talk to those kids as much as anyone,” he said. “It's all about learning.”

Eighth-grade student Sierra Porter came in interested in the health field, but found interesting information at booths such as the Omaha Police Department and ConAgra Foods.

“It's like new things to try,” she said.

Principal Susan Christopherson was enjoying the way the students were getting excited about different possible occupations.

“It's also successful that you get to see students having engaging conversations with adults, that they're practicing those types of social skills that are extremely important,” she said. “It's pretty amazing to watch.”

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