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Washington Evening Journal
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Students learn about careers in Mt. Pleasant
The businesses of Mt. Pleasant and the surroundings area came together with the Mt. Pleasant High School students for a career day on Friday. Classrooms were filled with students eager to learn more and ask questions about different jobs and professions.
More than 30 speakers came to the high school to talk about what they do, what the qualifications are in their professions, and helpful tips for students interested in those prospective fields. From accounting and conservation to fitness trainer and interior design, there were plenty of options for students to choose from.
Law enforcement was one of the bigger groups during career day. Both Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee and Mt. Pleasant Police Department Chief Lyle Murray discussed tips for getting into law enforcement.
“One of the big things we’re looking for is IT experience,” Murray said. “We deal with a lot of cyber-related materials, so if I had to choose between a person with a background in business management or a person with a background in IT, I’m probably going to go with IT.”
“Being physically fit and having either your high school diploma or GED are important for the force,” McNamee said. “A big thing I’m looking for is honesty and integrity.”
Another career profession that a good amount of students were interested in was the tattoo industry.
“I like drawing, and tattoo artists was the closest I could get for today,” Mt. Pleasant High School student Alician Todd said. “I kind of built it up in my head beforehand and did some research, so I was really chill coming into the session. I think after hearing about it, the business side might be a little intimidating for me.”
The career day event was organized by Mt. Pleasant school to career coordinator Tyler Rodgers and Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Executive Director Kristi Perry. They had been working on the event since the beginning of March.
“I think it went well,” Rodgers said. “I talked with some of our speakers, and they said the kids were good listeners and asked questions.
“This is the third time we’ve done something like this before, and we hope to do it every year so the kids can have opportunities to explore different careers they’re interested in,” he said.
Mt. Pleasant High School students were interested to hear more about being a tattoo artist from Big Dog Tattoos. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
Some students got to hear what it is like to create a podcast. A couple of the audio and visual communications people from Iowa Wesleyan University brought their podcast equipment and let students listen and observe their surroundings. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
Some students got to hear what it is like to create a podcast. A couple of the audio and visual communications people from Iowa Wesleyan University brought their podcast equipment and let students listen and observe their surroundings. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
Todd Johnson spoke to students about a career in the science and technology field. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee and Mt. Pleasant Police Department Chief Lyle Murray spoke to a large number of students about a career in law enforcement. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
The medical field was another big interest for Mt. Pleasant High School students. More than 50 students signed up to hear more about becoming a doctor or nurse. (Mariah Giberson/The Union)
