Utica, NY (WIBX) - Students at Donovan Middle School in Utica got an opportunity to hear from experts representing different career fields. They were given a glimpse of what it's like to work as a nurse, police officer, financial planner, tourism rep and even a computer designer.

The Career and College Ready Program was made possible by The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley. Executive Director, Ray Durso, Jr., said, "They're at a critical age in their lives to make decision. What do they want to do when they grow up, what it is that they want to get involved in--They go to high school and so we've got professionals here today to talk to them, to give them ideas. And that's what Genesis does, we create awareness, and certainly we do these at other schools around the region and today we're here at Donovan to give these students some assistance."

He says the annual event makes an impact. "Because a lot of the students we're finding haven't made their decision yet, as far as, what career, what they want to go in, what direction, so we're really pleased that we're able to bring ideas to these students today, so that when they come back in the fall they'll have a good start," he said. Career Day is an annual event where various segments of the local industry send representatives to talk to students about planning for their future careers.

Students heard from the following individuals representing their career fields:

  • Cpt. Francis Coots, Law Enforcement
  • John Marsh, Nanotechnology
  • Christy Stephens, STEP Program
  • Mary Bonney, Industry Cluster Careers
  • Sarah Foster, Travel & Tourism Careers
  • Marty Nemecek, Careers in Athletics
  • Gordon Garrett, Teaching Careers/Education
  • Gary Sunada, Finance & Banking
  • Dr. Ed Bradley, Healthcare/Physician
  • Debbie Crill, Healthcare/Nursing

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