Allan Hancock College invited 1,300 local high school and college students to its Santa Maria campus for the college’s annual Career Exploration Day, Oct. 2.

Students talk with a job fair representative at one of Allan Hancock College’s Career Day booths. (Courtesy photo)
More than 1,300 local students were invited to Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus for Career Exploration Day. (Courtesy photo)

Participating students were able explore potential career paths and learn more about the college’s academic and career technical education programs.

“Career Exploration Day helps students see what’s possible beyond the classroom,” said David Hernandez, Hancock career counselor. “By talking directly with employers and industry professionals, students can discover careers, companies and opportunities they may not have known were out there.”

Students were able to meet and speak with representatives from 138 businesses, as well as Hancock faculty and staff from the college’s various departments and degree programs.

A total of 44 participating businesses were actively hiring for entry-level positions and took resumes from Hancock students who were looking for jobs.

“It’s great to give students an opportunity to get their foot in the door and take that first step into the workforce,” said Dianna de la Mora, an HR technician with Lompoc Unified School District’s Classified Human Resources.

“We’re here to encourage them, help them through the hiring process and show them that there are entry-level opportunities available to them,” she said.

The annual Career Exploration Day was organized by Hancock’s Career Center, which provides resources, support, and opportunities for students seeking employment.

To learn more, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/careers.