Photo: Coleman Youngblood greets judges as they approach his booth at the Lowndes High School Reverse Career Fair. 

LOWNDES CO. – Lowndes High School hosted the Reverse Career Fair to give opportunities to senior students in the work-based learning program.

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Lowndes High School hosted an innovative Reverse Career Fair at Rainwater Conference Center on December 13, 2023, providing a unique opportunity for senior students enrolled in the work-based learning program. 

The event, made possible by sponsors CJB Industries and Rainwater Conference Center, reimagined traditional career fairs as students took center stage, showcasing their skills, strengths, and future aspirations at a booth they designed. Students came professionally dressed with business cards, resumes, and references in hand, ready to network. 

Rainwater Conference Center graciously opened its doors to the students, creating an authentic, professional setting allowing them to leave campus and engage with the community in a meaningful way. Business members, educators, and elected officials served as judges, browsing the fair and evaluating the students’ presentations. 

Maddox Brady, an aspiring civil engineer, highlighted the importance of courage in a setting like this. 

“It can be difficult to talk to older people and sell your skills, but it is so important to be yourself,” Brady expresses.

Her aptitude for numbers captivated the judges’ attention. 

Coleman Youngblood, another senior presenter, showcased his experience and expertise in wiring homes. Reflecting on the career fair, he noted the challenge of explaining his craft to those without prior knowledge. 

“I know what I do, and it makes sense in my head, but it is different trying to break it down and explain it to someone else,” he says. 

Judge Christie Moore, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, expresses her admiration for the students’ professionalism, knowledge, and personable demeanor. 

“Having the experience to interact with business professionals gives the students real-world experience,” Moore remarks. “These skills are not always natural; they are learned, and this event gave them incredible practice.”

The Reverse Career Fair not only showcased the talents and aspirations of the students but also provided a dynamic platform for networking and community engagement. Students left with countless connections and tips that they will carry with them well beyond graduation in the Spring.