Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Angela deFreitas, general manager, CHOICES Career Advice, makes a presentation at Sangster's, Mall Plaza in St Andrew. - Photos by Amitabh Sharma

The flurry of back-to-school shoppers at Sangster's, Mall Plaza in St Andrew were given an opportunity to hear career advice and career assessments on Saturday.

The one-day event, which was well received, offered the shoppers free career advice and information during CHOICES Career Day.

Those seeking advice ranged from high school students to those seeking direction in their professional lives.

For Latoya Seaton, the session was an eye-opener. Working as an administrative assistant, her job is restricted to sorting documents, but she always thought her interests lay elsewhere.

"This has been very beneficial for me," said a gleaming Seaton. She sought guidance and took an assessment test, which revealed that her personality was fit for sales, hospitality or promotions. "I am a people person and would be better in a customer service role," she said.

"We have got many people who are in jobs and do not know where they are going," said Kayson Jones, counsellor.

Direction

Jones, who has been a guidance counsellor for four years, said the students who came lacked motivation or direction.

"We tried to give them some direction," he said.

Jones added that some people came with their résumé and were advised accordingly.

Yolande Fullwood, sales and marketing manager, Sangster's said this was a first-of-its kind event.

"We have an agreement with CHOICES and are collaborating on different initiatives," Fullwood said.

"We wanted to do something in this high-traffic season that would benefit both the students and also the parents," she said.

Angela deFreitas, general manager, CHOICES Career Advice, expressed her satisfaction and said they would plan more such initiatives with Sangster's in the future.

Seaton, the administrative assistant, said she has decided to go back to school and earn a degree to pursue her dreams.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com

Kayson Jones advises a participant at the CHOICES Career Day at Sangster's.