Avid rolled into the semester with its first field trip this year for the sophomores. On March 19, 2025, the college and career learning related class explored the career expo center in Portland to experience a series of careers that are very inspiring and fun for many students and for future advice on their life after high school. An AVID student, Ashley Rodman, commented on the trip and said “The field trip was a memorable and exciting way to guide my future and plan out my career.”
The center had visual displays of the general description of the jobs and the amount of schooling needed. There were over 200 booths from which each student could choose and ask questions from each advisor working there. Students could visit any booth and even take any complimentary items displayed. They offered not just careers but also mock interviews, sessions on how to apply for jobs or build resumes, and hands-on lessons on what to expect in your chosen field. Over 20 schools visited from all around Oregon. Out of the large variety of professions at the center, there were definitely some that were more popular.
Firefighter/Police officer- The center was big enough to have firetrucks and police cars present inside the building. There were many firefighters who gave tours of the inside of the truck and explained how each tool works and why it’s crucial to the job. The police officers showed students around their police car, showing all the monitors and how to operate. They let some students even sit in the back to grasp the full experience of what being arrested is like. The coolest part for some students was the bomb suit that they had students try on and see the full impact it has.
Dental Hygiene- There were a few jobs in the dental program present. There were dental hygienists, technicians, and oral surgeons. The booth showed students the pros and cons of the programs and why it may or may not be a good choice for a future career. They gave the full extent of the job and how to manage the possible stress.
Cosmetology- There were many different options in cosmetology. There was a makeup artist, hair stylist, and even a fashion section for people who enjoy more hands-on careers and have an artistic and creative character.
Nurse- A common program most people are interested in is nursing, they had different types of nurses and each one presented a set of equipment and demonstrated the basics of the job. There were others careers such as X-ray technician, medical engineer, surgeons, and family doctors. There was even an area that included a CPR dummy for people to practice on.
Military- The Career Expo Center had such a large selection of military careers that it had an entire section of the center. Some of the options included the Navy, Army, and Air Force. There were many former and current army personnel going around to answer any questions one may have.
