SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District continued its support to area secondary schools March 30, by participating in a career day at San Diego’s Patrick Henry High School.
“It was a good feeling to encourage a new generation of scientists, engineers, economists, biologists and managers” said Jonathan Guerrero, a study manager for the Corps. “Information exchange was great in terms of our one-on-one conversations with teachers and students.”
“If the Shoe Fits” is a recently-expanded annual career day hosted by the San Diego Unified School District’s Office of College, Career and Technical Education. Its purpose is to “prepare students for 21st century challenges and opportunities.” Previously designed to address only scientific and engineering professions, it now includes 15 industry sections as diverse as child development, entertainment, marketing, education, fashion and interior design.
The Corps hosted one of 35 booths representing private sector businesses and government agencies at the event designed to share the requirements for and the responsibilities of future job opportunities for the nearly 1,800 students who participated.
“I think it’s important to talk to them about life after high school, to encourage them to seek technical fields and to expose them to something that’s going to be able to get them a job,” Guerrero said. “It’s just as important to talk to the teachers to let them know about job opportunities and internships that can benefit students in the future.”
Ed Louie, a project manager for the Corps, said there was a good exchange of information with students, especially those who were in the school’s Engineering Academy.
“The students asked a lot of questions,” Louie said. “It’s a great feeling, knowing we’re providing more information about Corps missions when it comes to environmental restoration, navigation, flood risk reduction, recreation and the numerous other ‘business lines’ we’re involved in throughout the nation.”
“They were definitely interested,” Louie said. “If we could recruit just one or two of them, then it is a worthwhile endeavor.”