Technology Engineering Students Attend Career Encounters
Geary Technology Engineering students were on Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology's (OSU IT) campus recently for Career Encounters, a one-day open house where potential students get to experience the technical programs offered at the school.
Tucker Hicks, a freshman and Geary Technology Engineering officer, got a chance to look at different career options to help him make his post-secondary choices for education. Hicks learned about hyroponics, which is growing plants without soil and only using water. The School of Culinary Arts has added this to many of their programs. "It was great; it was so informative," he said. "I never fully understood how they grow plants without soil, but it was pretty exciting to see the full proces."
Hicks said he wanted to go to Career Encounters in the hopes of learning more about the School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment and the industry. "I'm definitely looking into the diesel and heavy equipment more after today," Hicks said. "It gave me a bigger view of being a diesel technician, for sure."
Logan Buchanan, a GHS junior, said he attended Career Encounters because he wanted to see what kinds of construction programs OSU IT offered. "I was thinking construction management, but now I'm also looking into the diesel mechanic program program," said Buchanan after touring the School of Construction Technologies as well as the Diesel and Heavy Equipment school. Buchanan said he's always been interested in areas like engineering and math "because it's more hands-on and I'm more of a hands-on person."
Cody McPherson, Geary Middle School and High School Technology and Engineering teacher, said, "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."
Geary students and other students across the state got a chance to meet OSU IT's faculty and staff one-on-one, interact and talk with current students, and in some cases, even meet prospective employers.
Pictured with Pistol Pete are Geary students (L to R) Tucker Hicks, Jaycie Bates, Kynsey Albiston, Chris Albiston, and Lane Hicks.