In partnership with Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools and NCWorks Career Center, Southeastern Community College hosted its annual Career Expo in T and Cartrette buildings on April 4. That morning, high school students from East, West and South Columbus High schools in addition to Whiteville High School and Columbus Career and College Academy met employers and explored career options available to them in Columbus County.  

The afternoon portion of the Career Expo was open to SCC students and the public, providing adult learners and job seekers a chance to connect with local employers and identify specific skills needed to secure higher wage jobs. Career fields represented at the Career Expo included law enforcement, automotive, forestry, engineering, videography, agriculture, information technology, healthcare, hospice, journalism and education.  

“This event was more than just a job fair—it was an opportunity for adults to have real conversations with employers about what skills are needed in today’s job market and how SCC can help them gain those skills,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC President. “Whether someone was looking to change careers, up-skill in their current field or take the first step toward a new opportunity, we were here to help them make a plan.” 

SCC Associate Vice President for Education and Training Angie Ransom said that industry partners communicated an interest in engaging with students earlier in their educational journey. They want them to be aware of local businesses and industries and what career opportunities exist within their organization. Employers want students to know they can establish a career and live in Columbus County.

“Industry partner feedback received during the event was very positive,” Ransom said. “They liked having one event where they could interact with high school juniors and seniors, traditional college students as well as folks in the public sector who are looking for employment.” 

Amanda Formyduval, Executive Director of Human Resources at Boys and Girls Homes of NC, praised the Career Expo for its high level of organization and participation from employers and students. She enjoyed meeting and talking with high school students about career options at the BGHNC once they turn 21 years old and become eligible to work there. 

“I don’t think the students are aware of the variety of career options at BGHNC, so this has given us a great opportunity to share that information with them,” Formyduval said. “I’ve had some interesting conversations with students and hearing the diverse perspectives on what they are going to school for, so I’ve really enjoyed being able to take that information and educate them on what we have to offer.” 

Formyduval explained that BGHNC’s partnership with SCC is highly valued, and she said the Career Expo shines light on career options on the east side of the county. With a high need for social workers in eastern Columbus County, Formyduval said that students have opportunities to transfer to a university from SCC to get the social worker degree.  

Evelyn Brisbon, HRD Employability Skills Specialist at SCC, said her Pathway to Employment class objectives line up perfectly with the goals of the Career Expo. She explained that Horry Telephone Cooperative, one of the industry partners at the Career Expo, had a checklist of what they look for in potential employees. Brisbon said the checklist was an almost exact copy of what she gives her students. 

“Having a resume, being punctual, dressing for success, making a good first impression, good eye contact, presenting with professionalism, asking and answering questions and ending with a ‘thank you’ are all on my checklist for the class,” Brisbon said. “There was an excellent turnout for the event, and it looked like everyone wanted to be there. They were so positive.” 

Brisbon was happy to see her students at the Career Expo, and they told her that everything they learned in her PTE class was applied at the event. She said a positive first impression was the most important thing because students only get one chance.  

“I think any time that students are given the opportunity to see the type industries that are in our community is a win-win situation,” said Christian Godwin, CCCA Principal. “Our program is focused on building a workforce.” 

Godwin explained that when students get to see employers and careers focused on skills they learn in school, it enhances the value of their education. She said that CCCA students gained incredible insight on what track they want to take, and the large turnout at the Career Expo made it a valuable experience.

SCC MLT Instructor Dawn Williamson said she was amazed by the number of companies represented at the Career Expo. In addition to the industry partners, SCC programs that coincide with the career field were represented. She said the combination of high school students, SCC students and the public gave SCC a chance to showcase what is offered on campus.  

“It’s great to have this Career Expo because we produce graduates who can work at these companies,” Williamson said. “It really says a lot about the companies that came and provided information on these much-needed jobs.” 

Williamson said that having adult learners and potential adult learners on campus helps reach our goals with NC Reconnect. Reaching students and potential students with families and jobs who are looking to up-skill and earn higher wages had opportunities to see what SCC has to offer. 

CCCA senior Hector Garcia said he was impressed with the variety of jobs available in Columbus County. As a student in carpentry, masonry and electrical engineering programs at SCC, Garcia said many of his technical skills were represented in the employers present. His favorite part of the Career Expo was the generosity and kindness of the employers he met.  

CCCA junior Zion Leach said she was impressed with learning about the number of jobs available to her as a summer intern at the Career Expo. She plans to earn her associates of arts and pursue a career in the psychology and criminal justice fields.  

Interested in gaining the necessary skills that employers are looking for? Call 910-642-7141 to get started.

Click here to see more Career Expo photos!