How many times were you asked that question as a child? Years ago, answers were limited to a small range of jobs and professions.  Times have changed.  Now there are so many specialties within most job categories that students have limitless opportunities in the job world.

For years, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative has participated in career day activities with local schools.  In early March our employees were invited to the STEAM night for all Oconee County elementary school children along with their parents.  Ashley Dickson, Luke Burton, and Garrett Smith attended.  Ashley gave replica hardhats to the young students who promptly wore them as they climbed through the co-op bucket truck and inspected the bucket. 

Another career day in March saw Blue Ridge representatives at YLA in Pickens.  Tonya Wilson, Leadership Teacher at YLA explained the importance of career day at their school.  “Our students are in a Leadership class for each grade level and complete different types of career research, from career clusters to learning about what courses to take in high school to achieve their career goals. As a finalization of our unit we love to invite our community members for a career fair where students can visit with them and have conversations about their career experiences. Students love meeting new people, seeing career displays, and discovering what their future holds. Because of wonderful people and companies we are able to give our students a little insight about career opportunities in our area and around the world!”

Students in grades 6-8 each had an opportunity to spend time talking with a lineman, inspecting their safety equipment, and hearing about the various jobs that are available at the co-op.  Dustin Ahrens, Supervisor of Mapping shared the mapping system to show them how Blue Ridge records every location and device associated with that location.

Senior Vice-President Denise McCormick sees the importance of meeting students early in their decision-making process.  “If a student sees something that interests them in our organization, there’s a chance they will focus on job skills for that position and may someday come to work for us.  Like most companies, we are always interested in a person that knows us and our culture.  While it may seem that we’re doing a service for the school, they in turn are letting students be introduced to the co-op.”