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H&P Foundation Hosts Inaugural Career Fair: Empowering High School Students to Shape Their Futures
December 1st marked a milestone for the H&P Foundation as it hosted its first-ever Career Fair, an event designed to inspire, guide, and connect high school students with professionals from diverse industries. Held at the MAA Hotel & Suites, the event brought together H&P Scholars and other students eager to chart their career paths, along with a panel of esteemed professionals passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Bridging the Gap between Dreams and Reality
The Career Fair served as a platform to address a crucial gap in career guidance for high school students. By providing direct access to professionals across sectors such as law, medicine, technology, finance, and the arts, the event aimed to demystify career choices and equip students with insights to make informed decisions about their futures.
“Career guidance needs to start early. High school is a pivotal stage where students begin forming ideas about their future. Events like these are vital to helping them align their passions with viable career paths,” remarked Harrison Mbori, H&P Foundation’s Executive Director, during the opening address.
Highlights from the Day
- The Panel Discussion: Real Talk with Professionals
The day commenced with a dynamic panel discussion featuring speakers from different industries, including a business marketing executive, an economist, an international trade professional, a medical researcher and an energy consultant. The panelists shared their personal career journeys, challenges they faced, and the skills needed to excel in their fields.
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
- The importance of adaptability in today’s ever-evolving job market.
- The value of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.
- Encouragement for students to embrace failures as stepping stones to success.
A particularly poignant moment came when a panelist emphasized the significance of mentorship, urging students to seek guidance from experienced professionals.
- Career Speed Dating: A Hands-On Experience
One of the most anticipated activities of the day was the Career Speed Dating session. Students had the unique opportunity to spend five minutes with each professional, discussing their aspirations, interests, and career concerns.
The interactive format allowed students to gain a more personalized understanding of various career paths. For many, it was their first chance to speak one-on-one with professionals, an experience they found empowering.
“Before today, I thought I could only pursue medicine if I excelled in sciences, but after speaking to a researcher, I’ve realized there are other ways to contribute to healthcare, like public health or medical technology,” shared Monica, an H&P Scholar.
Professionals, too, were inspired by the students’ curiosity and ambition. “These young minds are full of potential. It’s a privilege to guide them,” said a fintech executive who participated in the session.
Why Career Fairs Matter for High School Students
The earlier students are exposed to career possibilities, the better equipped they are to make informed decisions about their academic and professional journeys. Career fairs offer more than just information; they ignite dreams, broaden horizons, and provide a reality check on the steps required to achieve one’s goals.
For underprivileged students, like many H&P Scholars, these events are particularly impactful. They level the playing field by giving access to networks and resources often unavailable to them.
The H&P Foundation recognizes that guidance and mentorship during these formative years can mean the difference between a fulfilling career and a missed opportunity.
Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing H&P Scholars
The event concluded with a heartwarming ceremony celebrating the achievements of the first-ever cohort of H&P Foundation Scholars who recently completed their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
One scholar was honored for their outstanding academic performance, receiving an iPhone 11 donated to the Foundation, a token to aid their communication and further learning. All scholars in the H&P Internship Program were recognized for their dedication and resilience in zealously participating in the internships they are currently working in.
“This is just the beginning for our scholars. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them excel in their chosen fields,” said Emmanuel Mulili, Scholars’ Support Director at H&P Foundation, during the closing remarks.
A Call to Action
The success of the inaugural Career Fair underscores the importance of investing in the education and holistic development of underprivileged students. The H&P Foundation remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting literacy, and supporting the all-around education of children in Kenya.
You can be part of this transformative journey. Join us in empowering young minds and shaping futures by supporting the H&P Foundation’s programs. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to dream, learn, and achieve.
To learn more about our work and how you can contribute, visit H&P Foundation’s website or follow us on social media.
By bringing students and professionals together, this Career Fair marked the beginning of a tradition that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of many. With continued support, H&P Foundation aims to expand such initiatives, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the tools to build a brighter future.
Last modified: December 11, 2024
