More Than 800 Students Learn About Getting a Job at "Career Con"

Thirteen high schools on the island took a unique field trip Thursday morning.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the Department of Education and local colleges and universities to host the 3rd Annual Staten Island "Career Con."

Fifty local businesses set up tables in the St. John's University gymnasium to meet with more than 800 high school juniors about potential career options.

Students also attended workshop sessions on social media use, professionalism, and other career-focused topics.

Organizers said the earlier students prepare for the workforce the better.

"It is really just so the kids get a general idea of different types of industries so that when they go to college they are thinking about specific industry tracks,” Linda Baran the President of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce said.

"We want to say, don't start thinking about careers when you come to college,” Dr. Robert Fanuzzi, the Associate Provost of SJU Staten Island Campus said. “Start thinking about your careers when you are in high school."

Officials with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce said one in four residents between the ages of 18 and 24 are out of school and out of work.