By: Alison Echeverria Soto ’26
On April 30, 2026, Derby High School had its annual Career Fair located in the gymnasium, bringing together local businesses, colleges, and professionals to connect with students. The event aimed to help students explore different career paths, ask questions, and begin thinking seriously about their futures.
There were organizations from around the state such as Ion Bank, Quinnipiac University, Waterbury Juvenile Probation, and even the military branches, giving students exposure to a wide range of career paths they may not have previously considered. Students had 45 minutes to take advantage of the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, asking questions about education requirements, daily responsibilities, and potential career growth. Many used the time to gather information, collect business cards, and gain a better understanding of what their future could look like. For some, the experience helped confirm their interests, while for others, it introduced entirely new possibilities they had never thought about before.
People like career fairs because it aims for you to actually talk to employers instead of just applying to a website without getting that human interaction. It’s also a good way to understand specific fields and learn about companies you never knew existed. Career fairs also let people ask questions directly and get immediate answers about opportunities they might want in the future. Alison Ortega Benites ‘26 explains to us, “ Even though I am a senior and already picked my path, it’s good to know I may have a back up just in case college doesn’t work out for me.” We realized sometimes college isn’t for everyone and a career fair can become such an amazing way to really think about what you want to do without anyone putting pressure on you to earn that college degree.
Overall, the career fair had a strong impact on students across all grade levels, especially freshmen, who were actively interacting with professionals and getting an early start on thinking about their futures. Many of the representatives also shared helpful tips about different career paths, giving students advice they can use as they move forward. Events like this show how important it is to explore options early and take advantage of opportunities to learn directly from people with real experience.
The Raider Press 