Approximately 1,500 tenth and eleventh grade students representing all Ulster County school districts will join more than 120 Hudson Valley professionals on March 11 (snow date March 12) to explore the world of work in the 21st century at the 11th Annual Ulster Counselors Career Conference. The Conference will be held from 9:15 AM to 12:15 PM at the SUNY Ulster County Community College’s Stone Ridge campus. 

From 24 options, each student will choose two career paths to explore in a classroom setting.  Through discussions and interactions with area professionals, students will receive first-hand information about their field of interest and the world of work.  

From high-tech careers to human services, from performing arts to engineering to law and government, students will have the opportunity to ask specific and important questions, such as:  What skills are needed in order to do your job well? What further education or training is needed after high school? In your opinion, will your present job be needed 10 years from now? 

Panels will be held on the following career fields: business, communications, computers, construction/maintenance, education, engineering, entrepreneurship, environmental science/agriculture, health care, high tech, hospitality industry, human services, law and government, marketing/sales/advertising, office technology, performing arts, protective services, science, social science, sports, therapy/rehabilitation, transportation, and visual arts.

In addition, every student will attend and participate in an interactive and motivational presentation. Students will be able to explore the effects everyday decisions have on their futures. 

The Ulster Counselors Career Conference 2010 is designed to connect learning, earning, academics, careers, and the ever-changing workplace. 

Students will leave with valuable information to help them determine who they are, where they are going, and what they need to do to get there. They will also have a realistic understanding of the vast number of opportunities available here in the Hudson Valley.

This event is sponsored by the Ulster County Counselors Association, Ulster BOCES, and SUNY Ulster County Community College. A model collaboration of Ulster County guidance counselors, employers, employees, schools and community leaders, this effort should have a long-term impact on all who participate.

For additional information or to set up an opportunity to interview a participating student or area professional, call Veronica Malkin at 331-6680, extension 2411.