Heading into Thursday's Southern Panhandle Sophomore Career Conference, Peetz High School sophomore Matthew Davis wasn't sure what he wanted to do after high school.
That changed Thursday after Davis sat in a law enforcement session at the Sophomore Career Conference, which was hosted by Western Nebraska Community College on the Sidney campus.
"I'm actually considering (criminal justice) now because it sounds really fun," he said.
Davis had always liked the idea of helping people in his future profession. So, after hearing all of the opportunities available within the criminal justice field that were close to home, Davis was intrigued.
"I've been trying to think how I can help other people, but now I know that is one of my options," he said.
Presenting area high school students with the career opportunities available in the area is exactly what the Southern Panhandle Sophomore Career Conference looks to accomplish. This year, the conference hosted about 200 students from seven high schools, including Sidney, Peetz, Potter-Dix, Kimball, Leyton, Bridgeport and Creek Valley.
"In the long run, we're trying to encourage students to come back to this part of Nebraska knowing that these jobs are available here in this area," said Erin Huddleston, student services coordinator on the WNCC Sidney campus.
Students could choose from over 27 sessions to attend, along with tours to 17 businesses around Sidney. Each of the 14 Nebraska Career Clusters industries were represented, which include human services; hospitality and tourism; business management and administration; communication arts; entrepreneurship; education and training; marketing; finance; renewable and sustainable energy; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); agriculture, food, and natural resources; health science; transportation and logistics; and information technology.
"We're trying to let students at a young age know what jobs are available in this area," Huddleston said. "They can explore different options and talk with individuals about what they do, what sort of education they have to get, if they have to get any, and what sort of opportunities there are for them."
For more information on the Sophomore Career Conference, contact Erin Huddelston athuddlest@wncc.edu.