Sometimes, high school and college students are unsure what they want to do for the rest of their life. Deciding on a career is a major decision in someone’s life. At times, college students undecided on a career path may select major to study but after a couple of courses, they discover the major they chose is not for them.

But students attending Picayune Memorial High School have the opportunity to learn about different career fields by taking one of several classes offered at the Picayune Career and Technology Center. The Center offers two-year programs in architecture and drafting, automotive services, early childhood education, engineering, accounting, health sciences and marketing.

These programs give students insight into what people in those fields do, allowing the student to try it and determine whether they want to pursue that career. One theoretical example would be a student who has shown interest in working in the medical field but may be reticent for one reason or another. By taking the health sciences program, that student will discover that there are many options for a career in the medical field, ranging from working in a hospital, a dental office, a veterinary office and even in computer technology. Students in all of these programs not only learn the concepts of the field, but also participate in hands-on projects where the concepts are tested.

Todd Giglio, an instructor at the Career and Technology Center, said every lesson includes a hands-on project because not every student learns the same way. While working on a project, whether it is learning how use a 3-D printer or a laser engraving machine, students get a better overview of all the work and effort required of them.

Engaging in these activities and programs at a young age can help a student determine a career they will find fulfilling for the rest of their life.