WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Students from area junior high/middle schools and high schools and area residents are invited to attend the 2013 Career/Job Fair hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains and the South Central Career Center set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Student Recreation Center at the corner of Garfield Avenue and West Trish Knight Street.

The free event will feature exhibits about the university’s degree and certificate programs, SCCC’s certificate programs, job opportunities at area businesses and social agencies needing volunteers, organizers said.

“Whether area residents are looking for jobs or simply wanting information about training for careers, the career/job fair will provide an opportunity for them to be better informed,” explained Alice Smith, coordinator of Missouri State-West Plains’ career services and campus outreach office.

The fair also will include “hands-on” career exploration activities at several booths, she added.  “We are hoping visitors will see not only a broad scope of career possibilities through the businesses, educational programs and agencies represented, but also leave the fair with some personalized interest, skills, aptitude and/or personality assessments for career connections,” she explained.

Additional activities available to those attending will include internet research of current job openings in the state of Missouri by location, as well as projected jobs for the future, including educational requirements, average pay, etc., Smith said.  Resource ideas for further career exploration also will be provided, she added.

Smith said several schools already have registered to attend, including Alton, Bakersfield, Doniphan, Dora, Koshkonong, Licking, Ellington, Thayer and Van Buren.  Representatives of other area school districts who would like to register their groups can do so by contacting Smith at 417-255-7230 or AliceSmith@MissouriState.edu.  Registration is not required for area residents wishing to attend.

For more information about the fair, contact Smith at 417-255-7230.