Career Expo Grants Students A Glimpse into Professional Opportunities in Del Rio

Over 500 students from Del Rio, Bracketville, and Ciudad Acuña toured about 70 possible careers at the Del Rio Civic Center during Southwest Texas College’s Career Expo on Thursday. From law enforcement and military branch recruiters, to booths for higher learning programs offered at SWTC, the fair assembled a vast variety of representatives to help to-be high school graduates make a meaningful decision for their lives. 

Julio Gonzalez, a Recruitment and Engagement Specialist for SWTC in Del Rio, had a hand in organizing the event and spoke with CDR about the turnout.

"We have a little more than 70 presenters here at the expo, which is a great turnout… We have Border Patrol, the Marines, state troopers, Air Force. As well as our different departments from Southwest Texas College, [including] wildlife, our welding program, our aviation program. All the different programs we have to offer at the college," says Gonzalez.

Gonzalez also describes a need he recognizes among students who feel that Del Rio’s employment marketplace seems underwhelming. "We do this type of expo because not a lot of people know what the college or Del Rio has to offer. A lot of students I’ve heard say, ‘Well, I don’t know what to do after I graduate because there isn’t much here in Del Rio for me.’ This is the purpose of this event: to show what Del Rio has to offer; to show a little bit of what SWTC has to offer. Pretty soon we’re starting our technical programs here in Del Rio, and it’s something we want students to get excited about and see the opportunities they have here locally."

Walking through the aisles between the booths, a noticeable buzz of excitement radiated from students actively chatting with reps of different fields. Hands-on demonstrations of special gear and equipment were one method of striking interest in, and conversations with, students. 

Valeria Gallegos, an area high school student unsure of her next step after graduation, seemed moved by her chance to speak with the medical program reps, in particular. 

"I’ve enjoyed [learning about] the nursing programs here, and the medical programs. I enjoy seeing what they do and how they help people," Gallegos says. But her interactions with law enforcement agencies pull her another way. "I’ve talked to law enforcement, border patrol. What I’ve learned here so far is that there are many, many careers I could go into…everything here looks pretty cool."

Although Gallegos now stands before a crossroad of possible paths, she’s left the Expo a bit more keen on her options.

"I want to try to do law enforcement or nursing," she says with a newfound assurance.