STUDENTS looking for clarity on their future have a chance to explore possible career paths next week.
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The city's annual careers expo has gathered a range of stallholders, covering gap year programs, employment agencies, tertiary education and local job opportunities.
Wagga Christian College student Chloe Holgate, who has attended three consecutive career expos, has found immense value in the annual event.
The year 12 student has her eyes set on primary school teaching after exploring her options at the career expo, which started conversations in her everyday life.
"My perspective changes each time where the first year was a bit of fun and a chance to get all the free stuff. By the second year I took it more seriously, but kept my options open and now in my final year I am looking at accommodation, pricing and scholarship opportunities," she said.
Chloe said the career expo has provided her with information about her future that regional students would have to travel to hear.
Paige Pfeiffer, of Wagga Christian College, encouraged students to come to the event with an open mind.
"Next year I want to study engineering. There are not a lot of women in the field and I enjoy mathematics and science," she said.
"At my first two career expos I asked heaps of questions about pathways and options and now with a decision I can narrow my focus in my final year.
"Students need to start with an open-mind other they might miss out on a pathway they never considered."
Wagga Careers Expo organiser Marie Knight said the event was about exposing students to an array of pathways - from vocational to tertiary education - before they are become set on a decision.
"A student might be interested in studying engineering, but university is not the only pathway. For example, they could use TAFE as a stepping stone," she said.
"The admission process looks different depending on the pathway, which students need to be aware of."
Ms Knight said the career expo provides students with a local opportunity to expand their horizon and start a conversation.
"Some students come with an exact vision of their future, and other students don't. It does not matter the age of the student - they will not be ready to make a decision until a pathway makes sense to them," she said.
"For the students with a set plan it is about honing and pinpointing the right pathway for them and those without a direct idea, we provide them with huge exposure on what is available."
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