This year’s Career Encounters, a one-day event that showcases OSU Institute of Technology’s academic and technical programs, will welcome about 1,000 prospective students to the Okmulgee campus.

The event is Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with check-in outside the Student Union.

High school seniors, Career Tech students and adult learners are encouraged to attend Career Encounters to get an up-close, first-hand look at the is wide range of programs OSUIT has to offer.

Every school will offer several one-hour sessions on different aspects of its programs, and attendees can choose three sessions to attend during the day.

With more than 50 sessions to choose from, a variety of career paths will be showcased through activities that include a high voltage pole climbing contest, prosthetics workshop, food sensory experiments and 3D software demonstrations.

Some students choose to attend sessions offered by one school, while other students attend three completely different sessions, said Sable Vasquez, OSUIT’s special events coordinator.

“It gives them an opportunity to learn about various programs that are offered here at OSUIT and also learn about the different industries and career opportunities that come from completing one of these programs,&” said Vasquez. “Some students have an inaccurate perception about technical education, so this event gives them clarification and allows them to see the high-demand, high-paying options for them in these areas.”

The sessions are a chance to meet program faculty and staff, interact and talk with current students and possibly meet prospective employers. It’s also a chance for prospective students to see what classes are like in the programs offered at OSUIT.

“Applied technology is what we do. It’s hands-on where you can actively participate and work with the same equipment that is used in the real world,” Vasquez said.

There will be information booths throughout campus to assist anyone with directions, as well staff from the admissions and financial aid offices on hand to answer any questions.

Registration is required for Career Encounters, and those interested in attending should sign up soon because of limited seating in each session.

To see the brochure with session descriptions or to register online, visit osuit.edu/careerencounters. You can also contact Sable Vasquez at 918-293-5220 or email sablew@okstate.edu