Interactive sessions give Big Horn Basin students a deeper look at future careers

High school students from across the Big Horn Basin got a hands-on look at their future earlier this month during a unique career fair held at Northwest College.

Unlike traditional job fairs where students move quickly from booth to booth, this event focused on deeper exploration. Students attended scheduled 35-minute sessions, giving them time not only to learn about careers, but to experience them.

The event, sponsored by The University of Wyoming’s University-to-School Partnership, brought together students in grades nine through 12 from Rocky Mountain, Burlington, Lovell, Riverside, Greybull, Meeteetse and Ten Sleep. 

It was led by Big Horn School District No. 1 and supported by a team of organizers including Sally Bernhisel, Chawna Wiechmann, Colby Gull, Nicholas Jessee and Kendal Jeffs, along with partners from the University of Wyoming.

The day began with a keynote address from Northwest College Board of Trustees member Megan Nickels, who encouraged students to explore their interests, recognize their strengths, and begin thinking more intentionally about the paths ahead of them, reminding them that the decisions they make now can open doors to a wide range of opportunities in the future.

From there, students spread across campus into classrooms and labs, where professionals from throughout the region — and even as far away as upstate New York — led sessions on their fields. Each presenter shared not only what they do, but how they got there, outlining education requirements, career pathways and personal experiences.

What set the event apart was its emphasis on participation. Rather than simply listening, students were invited to engage directly in activities tied to each career. From welding demonstrations and culinary preparation to coding exercises and medical discussions, the goal was to give students a clearer picture of what each job actually looks like day to day.

“It’s one thing to hear about a career,” Sally Bernhisel, the career coordinator for Big Horn County School District No. 1 noted, “but it’s another thing to try it.”

The wide range of sessions gave students exposure to careers across several major fields.

In public service and natural resources, students explored careers in law enforcement, game warden services and wildlife biology, gaining insight into roles focused on protecting communities and Wyoming’s outdoor resources.

Healthcare and human services were well represented, with sessions led by a neurosurgeon and medical esthetician, along with discussions centered on mental health, life transitions and building confidence. These sessions highlighted both the technical demands and personal connections required in caring professions.

Students interested in skilled trades and technical careers had opportunities to engage with welding, lineman work and civil engineering. These hands-on sessions emphasized practical skills and clear pathways into high-demand careers across the region.

Business and communication fields were also featured, including entrepreneurship, business ownership, marketing, real estate, veterinary technician, computer coding and photography. These sessions showcased opportunities for students interested in building their own ventures or working in creative and people-focused industries.

Additional sessions included aviation and ROTC and military pathways, along with a Northwest College campus tour that helped students better understand postsecondary options.

Together, the sessions reflected the wide range of opportunities available to students after graduation, while also helping them begin to connect their interests and strengths with possible career paths.

Events like this are part of a broader effort to give students more meaningful exposure to careers at an earlier age. Through job shadows, guest speakers, career fairs and classroom activities, students are increasingly being encouraged to connect what they learn in school to real-world opportunities.

At the same time, the focus extends beyond choosing a career. Students are developing skills that apply across any path, including communication, teamwork, time management and problem solving. With continued support from schools, colleges and local industry partners, students are building both the experience and confidence needed to take the next step after high school.

The “Voices in the Field” model that helped shape the event was initially developed by Malinda Garcia, principal at Dubois K-12 School. The program began during her time as a teacher at Wind River High School and has grown with support from the University-to-School Partnership since 2020.

For students who attended, the day offered more than just information. It provided a chance to see, experience and begin imagining what their future could look like.