INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Thousands of 8th graders from around Indianapolis are getting the chance to check out a massive job fair at the state fairgrounds It gives them a jump start on figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
Many middle school students already know what they want to be someday. They got a hands-on look at those careers - and many more - at the Junior Achievement Job Spark Expo.
"We really want to try and keep students engaged and excited about their future, thinking about the courses they can take through high school that will lead to a job and a career they will love down the road," explained Jennifer Burk, president of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana.
This is the second year in a row they've done something like this - and it's even bigger this time around. One hundred twenty companies sent volunteers to show the kids how to do what they do.
In just a few hours, the students got to see all kinds of different jobs they could be when they grow up. They don't have to decide exactly what they want to be today, but they got a lot of good ideas for the future.
"You get out of college and if you don't have anything, you're going to be sitting there looking all stupid so you might as well come up with your plan," said student Djuan Edwards.
Organizers hope kids leave with a spark - no matter which direction they choose.