Applying to college or trying to find a job just out of high school can be a scary time - even without the unemployment scale tipping in the wrong direction.
That's why organizers of the Southeastern College & Career Fair hold the event each year, preparing juniors and seniors for life in "the real world."
"It's competitive - you've got to be ready," said Madge Gregory, a school counselor at Lookout Valley Middle-High School and member of the Lookout Counseling Association, which hosts the fair along with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Army National Guard.
The two-day event, which began Thursday and continues today, hosts about 60 colleges and universities and a dozen local businesses.
Students at the fair seemed mostly unfazed by worries related to the economy or unemployment. Many said they have a plan set out to attend college, assuming a job will fall in place afterward.
IF YOU GO* What: Southeastern Tennessee College & Career Fair* Where: Tennessee Army National Guard Armory at 1801 S. Holtzclaw Ave.* When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today* Open to high school and home-schooled juniors and seniors, as well as parents or guardians
But some said they feel the pressure of the dismal job market weighing on their decisions, possibly shaping the choices they soon will make.
Keeping her parents' budget in mind, Akiylah Edwards, a junior at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, said she's looking mostly at in-state schools as she gets closer to choosing a college. The 16-year-old hopes to one day be a veterinarian, and is working to keep her grades up so she can stand out against her competition.
Most acknowledged that attending a college or university would be the ideal way to land their dream job one day.
"You have to have a degree behind you," said Andrea Davis, an 18-year-old senior at Ooltewah High School. "And we're not going into this blind. We've got backup plans for our backup plans."
Gregory and Anna Shelsky, also a school counselor, said it's important especially during the tough economic time that they let students know their options post-graduation by providing these types of opportunities.
However, with fewer businesses able to hire new staff, attendance was down this year, said Mattie Moran, director of work force development and education for the Chamber of Commerce.
But those in attendance are giving students advice about how to stand out in a flooded job market.
Edward Collins, coordinator for the automotive mechatronic program at the Volkswagen Academy, said he first asks students what gets them excited. Then he explains what employers are looking for.
"You've got to have perseverance, work ethic and be able to do what you say and say what you do," he said.
Representatives from the Chattanooga Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Center said though they tell students college should be No. 1, they know not everyone wants to pursue a degree. Their program offers an opportunity to learn a trade in an industry they say can't be shipped oversees and will always be in demand.
Contact Brittany Cofer at bcofer@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/brittanycofer.