In late February, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) participated in a career path fair for 7th and 8th grade students at Southwest Junior High School in San Luis, Ariz.
It was exciting to see junior high students exploring a variety of career paths that different employers offer, especially for those who are unsure how to build a career and the experiences and benefits that come with it.
For these students, an ideal career path involves early exploration through hands-on experiences such as internships, part-time jobs, and job shadowing to build essential skills.
During the fair, many of the 7th and 8th graders visited the YPG display and expressed intrigue upon seeing instruments used for various testing machines related to metrology and simulation vibration testing, as well as videos of the processes. Many students were not aware of YPG’s facilities and the range of career opportunities available there. Initial discussions prompted students to think about safety guidelines, necessary skill sets or degrees, and whether they needed to join the military to work there. Little did they know that YPG prioritizes safety by thoroughly testing their equipment and offers opportunities such as paid internships and volunteer positions across different fields to help individuals build their career paths.
Students were surprised to learn that they could still join YPG even if they were undergraduates or did not possess a college degree, as long as they had relevant skills. For example, proficiency in mechanics, logistics, math, or administrative tasks can open doors at YPG. However, if students are looking for higher pay, their grades and degrees may matter more.
As Patricia Conley, YPG Program Analyst, stated, “You don’t necessarily need a degree to build a career path. You can start working in different fields that align with your skill set and still earn a good salary with benefits.”
YPG is an excellent starting point for exploring future career paths. As discussed at the career fair in San Luis, students can dive into their vocational and professional journeys by applying for YPG’s internship and volunteer programs. These programs include on-site work opportunities, per diem, and housing, with roles in engineering, technology, and science. In junior high, you may feel excited about potential career options. Even if you’re not ready to choose a specific path, early exploration and awareness through real-world experiences like part-time jobs, internships, and job shadowing can help you discover what you enjoy and what you might not like about various work environments.
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