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With Alaska's job market getting more and more competitive, the surplus of highly qualified workers is making it difficult for residents to easily jump into the workforce. A workforce that our next generation of kids are going to have to work even harder to be a part of.
If you looked at the classifieds lately, you know finding a good paying job means you have to have the education or training. Both very important tools, that today's kids realize are not just necessities, but a priorities. "I really do want to have the very best possible education," said Megan Capps, a senior who is looking at her postsecondary options. "I want to go somewhere with my life, do something," said DaMarcus Mitchell, a senior who is looking at college options as well. "I honestly don't know what to expect or what to find, but I am hoping to find something," said Christian Lewallen, who is a junior, planning ahead for his future.
If you listen to Alaska's next crop of graduating students, a global recession is causing uncertainty in how they choose their futures. "Setting yourself up for your future, I mean you got to know where you are going, now what you are going to be, have a plan about it," said Mitchell. An anxiety that even parents are aware of. "I think its much more competitive, I think its going to be a lot harder for these young people to find jobs," said Tom VanHoomissen, a parent who is helping his son decide educational options.
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An important number that you can bet, Alaska's kids are listening too. "I've always known I would go to college and like now even more I'm definitely trying to get a masters or a doctorate in whatever degree I go into," said Melissa Flynn, a senior who is looking at her post secondary options. "So it's really important that I get a good education because I want to get a good job and be successful in my life."
At this year's edition of the college and career fair, you'll find most kids are certain they want to go to school. But they are uncertain at what option would work the best for them. "I'm just looking for the type of schools here that would offer me scholarships," said Flynn. "I am looking at what suits me financially," said Capps.
Finances are a big deal for students. But in a time where having that post secondary education could mean the difference in getting a job in the future, more and more kids are determined to be prepared. "Funding, they are really worried you know their parents maybe didn't save some money for them," said Monica Gomez, an admissions counselor at Career Academy. "They are very concerned about where they are going to live while going to school, are they going to have money." "You can't do anything without education, you can work at McDonalds but you are going to need some kind of education, you are going to need to be able to count, math to add up change to get it right," said Mitchell. "So far I've checked out Cornish and the Seattle Art Institute and they seem to have a lot of potential," said Capps.
Megan knows she wants to be a photojournalist. Which is why she is pursuing every opportunity available to become one. "I want to find a school that suits the career I want to pursue as well as a reasonable tuition scholarships opportunities and such," said Capps. "I'm a little nervous but I'm confident I think I have done everything I can up to this point, I think I am prepared taken all of the classes I can."
A nervousness that Megan isn't alone in sharing as she and her generation make choices that will decide their lives. "We'll see what happens, I'm just looking forward to it." This year's college and career fair continues tomorrow at the Dena'ina Convention Center. Please go to our links page for the fair's website which also provides college and financial assistance to over 1,500 Alaskan adults to pursue educational opportunities.
To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.
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