As juniors, students are not only nearing high school graduation, but also beginning to look for their first job and to begin the college preparation process. As an extension of the 8th Grade Career Expo, Eastman Chemical, the Kingsport Chamber and Junior Achievement of the Tri-Cities, invite area businesses and colleges to speak to these students about their future career path.

Students listen to various presentations which include the following topics: how to dress for success, internet safety and awareness, job application tips, resume writing, salary expectations, basic finance, work ethics and job interview skills.

New to the 11th Grade Expo is the addition of “Real Life 101” where students role play life choices much like the Milton Bradley game, The Game of Life. Students receive a family scenario (single, married, children or no children) and a career scenario along with a budget based on the career given to the student. Students then move through various stations sponsored and staffed by local businesses. Every stop requires the student to make a choice on how to spend their money for expenses. Unexpected high and lows come in the form of an envelope handed to the student by event staff through out the game. The goal is to walk down the red carpet to a retirement party with money still in hand at the end of the game. For those who didn’t invest wisely, a second job is their only choice. Upon completion of the game, students meet together to discuss their decisions and what they learned.

Now, more than ever, students need to realize the “reality” of good/poor choices concerning their future careers. Our goal for this event is to help students learn the value of smart choices and to open their eyes to career opportunities that they didn’t know exist.