Representatives from those professions joined the representatives of more than 40 other professional groups in volunteering their expertise and time at the April 6 fair in the school's gymnasium. The variety of career stations offered students a chance to better understand the preparation and skill required in each job.

Willow Middle and High School Foundation career fair committee member Barbara Black said the goal of the event was to provide information about a variety of jobs for all education levels.

"We're doing this because a lot of kids don't know what is out there," Black said. "We want to open their eyes to new ideas. And for those students who already know what they want to do, it gives them a chance to find out how to get that job."

This was junior Marcey Meestas' third career fair at the high school.

Talking to different professionals each year has given her a new appreciation for jobs in fields she might otherwise never consider, like photography. As a junior, she said, it is time for her to get serious about her future.

"The fair gives you ideas that you wouldn't know about otherwise," Marcey said. "You learn that there are more jobs than just becoming a doctor or a lawyer."

Sixteen-year-old Lindsay Beebe said the career fair is helpful, but she is going to wait until college before she decides on an occupation. She wants to take different classes and see what interests her.

Many of the professionals at the fair could relate to Lindsay's way of thinking, so to make the experience a little more interesting, they brought visual aids, like videos, to entice students to their booth. The FBI representatives brought official jackets for students to try on, and the San Jose Fire Department brought some hats and gear for students to wear.

San Jose Fire Department Capt. Phil Manley, who just celebrated 30 years with the department, wanted to pass on his enthusiasm for the job to a new generation.

"This is a great opportunity to get into the community," he said. "We are really proud of what we do."

Manley told students that becoming a firefighter in San Jose has become extremely competitive. He gave them tips on how they can make their application can stand out, like learning a second language—Spanish or Vietnamese—having a degree in fire science or taking some courses in fire science from a local junior college. Also, he said those interested should be at least 18 and have a high school diploma. And applicants need to acquire a paramedic license in San Jose to be a firefighter.

Without attending the fair, students who were considering a future with the fire department might not have known this important information, delaying their shot at becoming a firefighter, Manley said.

Another profession students were drawn to was that of FBI agent. Two representatives, including a special agent, told students they needed a four-year degree, a minimum of three years' work experience and U.S. citizenship and that they must be at least 23 years old to become an agent.

Both FBI representatives at the fair, who weren't allowed to provide their names due to agency policy, said more FBI jobs are becoming available because many older employees are retiring and "because of the increased manpower on the war on terror."

Perhaps the largest obstacle to becoming an agent is the background check, which can take up to a year. Within that year, the agency requires several tests, a polygraph and a physical for those interested in becoming agents. But even the long application process didn't appear to squelch students' interest in becoming special agents, especially when they learned starting salaries begin around $65,000.

Black said regardless of salary, she hoped students would discover a variety of career options when thinking about their professional future.

"We hope these careers open up some discussion in English classes," Black said, "and for students who want further help, they can visit the career center on campus to find out more about achieving these goals."