The annual Capistrano Unified School District Career Fair, hosted by College and Career Advantage and CUSD, took place at San Juan Hills High School on March 24, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The CUSD Career Fair is an event designed to connect students with real-world opportunities. The CCA and CUSD program partnership wants to aid students in their exploration of potential career paths as well as gain valuable experience for their future careers. The event provides a platform for students to engage with professionals in specific career fields, employers and representatives and learn about various industries, offering beneficial insight into potential career field options.
The fair was organized into different sections, with each business and industry exhibitor having one table each in the center section of the fair, set up in rows, while school programs, colleges and military branches were aligned along the walls.
CCA had two tables, staffed with CCA ambassadors and specialists providing students and their parents guidance. Futureology had two tables and offered resume reviews to students who wished for insight on perfecting their resumes. The CUSD had two tables and representatives providing information about the district’s selection of programs.
Many students and parents frequently inquire about job openings, required qualifications, and how to enroll in CCA courses. These courses provide essential skills for various industries, making them a valuable resource for career planning and well equipping them for the future.
Programs the CCA offers include but are not limited to cybersecurity, dental assisting, emergency medical technician, medical assisting, pharmacy technician, surgical technologist, and veterinary technician. These tuition-free job training courses provide students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.
CCA ambassadors are students from all across CUSD high schools who have taken CCA classes, and they play a vital role in promoting the CCA program. Their main purpose on campus is to help out the program and get the word out about CCA to other students. They also do volunteering as well as interact with parents to inform them about such programs. CCA ambassadors even visit middle schools to introduce younger students to the opportunities CCA has to offer.
Michelle Monier (12), a CCA ambassador from San Clemente High School, said, “I think it’s an amazing resource that can be hidden under the amount of events and programs at schools. It’s a great opportunity for students to build more connections through networking and for considering their postgraduate career options as well.”
The designated career education section had tables with all the local community college representatives, which included Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, Orange Coast College, Santiago Canyon College and North Orange Continuing Education.
A military section was also featured and had tables for the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Army Guard.
Mrs. Ferlic, a career guidance specialist at Aliso Niguel High School, said, “There’s something for everyone at the career fair, so if students can attend, they should definitely come and explore the opportunities the fair has to offer.”
With over 70 exhibitors, the fair covered a vast range of industry sectors. Industry sectors at this fair include agriculture and natural resources; arts, media & entertainment; building and construction trades; business and finance; education, child development & family; energy, environment & utilities; engineering & architecture; health science & medical technology; hospitality, tourism & recreation; public safety; public services; information and communications technology; manufacturing and product development; marketing, sales, and service; nutrition and the military.
All these offerings at the CUSD career fair allow for students to explore their future career options, discover exciting opportunities and gain a clearer understanding of what they want to pursue beyond high school.
