At the Paul VI Career Fair in the Panther Activity Center about 75 career reps shared information on their careers. Courtesy photos
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Counseling Department at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax hosted its fourth annual Career Day for juniors and seniors. Former NASA astronaut Sandra H. Magnus was the keynote speaker. Magnus is a three-time recipient of the NASA Space Flight Medal, and was also awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and NASA Exceptional Service Medal. Magnus shared stories about her NASA experience with students, highlighting stories with video taken from various space missions.
Magnus made connections between her own path of getting a job at NASA to students’ own lives. She stressed the importance of having a plan, but also remaining flexible and open to new and interesting experiences. She emphasized to students the importance of following one’s passions and being a lifelong learner.
After her presentation, students attended a Career Fair in the Panther Activity Center, where about 75 career reps shared information on their careers. The professionals, including more than 10 Paul VI alumni, answered students’ questions about various fields of employment.
Career fields ranged from science and technology to media and design, to nonprofits, vocations, finance and government. Throughout the gym, students engaged with the professionals, asking questions to discover more about a possible career path.
“This year's exciting Career Day was especially successful due to the combined efforts of the members of the PVI Community including the counseling and advancement departments, the faculty and staff, administrators, parents, alumni, members of our school board, and, of course, our students,” shares Lonnell Battle, PVI’s College and Career Specialist.
“The combination of our guest speaker, former NASA astronaut Sandra Magnus, along with approximately 75 career representatives gave our students a rare opportunity to explore their career options with experienced individuals in many fields.”