Looking for careers that move them, a record number of participants visited the 9th Annual Careers in Transportation Expo at OCTA’s headquarters in Orange on March 6.
Designed to familiarize students with careers in transportation, the event attracted approximately 300 students from 12 high schools. Last year, nearly 150 students from five high schools attended to learn about opportunities in bus and rail operations, public outreach, finance, planning, engineering, maintenance, marketing, communications and human resources.
Many from throughout OCTA were on hand to engage with the students. Deputy CEO Jennifer Bergener provided insights about OCTA and Executive Director of People and Community Engagement Maggie McJilton shared her knowledge of the transportation industry. Representatives from approximately 20 OCTA departments discussed career paths within the transportation industry and provided advice on writing resumes and other job skills.
While OCTA does not track the career paths of attendees, there is evidence that these career expos influence future outcomes. A student who attended last year’s event is now a valued member of OCTA’s Teen Council, which helps members build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while contributing insights that help shape the future of transportation in Orange County.
