EMSB hosts 23rd annual career and education fair

Over 2,000 Secondary V students were on hand at St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic for the 23rd annual English Montreal School Board (EMSB) Career Fair.

Thursday marks day two of the career and education fair, and organizers say it’s a great opportunity for students to explore options and gather insight about potential future jobs.

Information sessions will be hosted by Thierry Joubert, a former school teacher, now real estate executive, and motivational speaker.

“I spent most of my time guiding my students to find the balance between passion, talent, and adding value to society while reaching the quality of life desired,” said Joubert in a statement. “Make sure you’re passionate, you get time to get the skills that you need and add value to people to then get the quality of life that you’re looking for.”

Mario Argiropoulos from the EMSB Adult Education says the main objective of the fair is to provide students with in-depth exposure to the various educational opportunities available to them.

“I think it’s really good that the EMSB can provide this event for us,” said Nevaeh Rouse-Dolphy from Royal Vale school. “It helps us open our minds up to different possibilities that can lead us into our future.”

“Most people they already have a mindset on one thing, But then you come here you talk to other people and you get to learn more options in life,” said Scarlett Tokatlian, a Programme Mile End student. 

“In the future, I kind of want to do psychology, but if not I feel like the furnishing program would be really good too,” said Zariya Lawrence from Marymount Academy.

“I’m looking to go into physiotherapy in the future, so probably go to CEGEP and then university,” said Rayan Khadhri, a Royal Vale school student.

“I want to go into acting and doing drama and stuff like that, filmmaking, film production,” said Phoenix Coombs from Programme Mile End. 

“I want to do biotechnology when I’m older, I really do enjoy science, I enjoy chemistry, I enjoy math, I like solving problems,” added  Rouse-Dolphy.

“It makes me feel less nervous knowing that I could go to many other jobs just in case I don’t like one,” said William Antonecchia from Lester B. Pearson high school.

Most students were looking at their post-secondary options that include CEGEPS, universities, English vocational centres and some private business colleges. The Canadian Coast Guard as well as the Montreal Police and Fire departments were also in attendance.

“I was looking at the Canadian Coast Guard thing, pretty cool,” I really like being in the water. I really like the water,” explained Leim Bruno from Programme Mile End.

“Right now I’m still kind of looking by thing I’m going to look for more something that I’m good at and that what makes me happy and that I know that’s going to help the rest of the world,” added Tokatlian.

“I’m really just focusing on getting past high school and getting my diploma because I’m struggling through school. My parents just want me to pass and get my diploma and after that I can do whatever,” said Coombs.

“A lot of information, I don’t know, I’m still thinking about it, about my future and I’m really stressed about this and I’m still thinking. And by little, I’ll get something, I’m sure,” said Aaron Gourarii, an Options high school student.

“It’s mixed feelings It’s excitement because you don’t know what’s going to be in the next chapter but I would say it’s very stressful because you have so many different opinions coming towards you on your future,” said Tokatlian, adding, “so it gets hard to know what you want to do but it is exciting I would say because you don’t know what the future is going to take you.”