If you’re struggling to figure out what career to pursue, you’re not alone. The decision can be a stressful one. Fortunately, this week’s Opportunity Fair will provide you the chance to learn about new careers, internships and volunteer options, and begin networking with possible employers.

The yearly event, usually hosted in person, will be held virtually Wednesday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom to maintain a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair is open to students from Los Medanos College, as well as those from Diablo Valley and Contra Costa colleges, marking this year as the first-ever districtwide Opportunity Fair. The Contra Costa Community College District hopes this merger will combine the strengths of each school to make opportunities more accessible than ever before.

 “The Opportunity Fair seeks to connect students to exploration and experiential employment or work-based learning while studying at our colleges,” said Rachel Anicetti, the director of Transfer and Career Services at LMC.

This year the fair will highlight career and internship organizations such as Americorp National Services, Cal State East Bay Career Center, Advancing Black Pathways, Cal Interns, the City of Pittsburg and Career Launch. Each group will provide 30-minute workshops and panels that will give students insights into attaining internships in remote settings, said Anicetti.

The fair will give them a chance to get out into the world and take charge of their future. 

 “The emphasis is to really participate, but also to get involved and be really active in your career work when it comes to your opportunities,” said Edward Beanes, the career exploration coordinator at LMC, who added that 50% of students who enter an internship find full-time work after they graduate.

With that in mind, Beanes said students who attend and interact with possible employers should “treat this as you would treat an interview.”

To prepare for the event, Beanes said students should take some time to think about their future: “What is it that you’re going to do after you graduate with that piece of paper, where are you going to work, and what kind of work is it going to be?” 

To attend the Opportunity Fair, fill out the required registration here.  If you are interested in learning more about the event, visit the Opportunity Fair webpage. 

“We want our students to get jobs, we want them to get employed, we want them to get paid, but we also always want you to know where you are going with your investment when it comes to education,” said Beanes.