Businesses, schools contribute to successful Career Expo 2025 with Marshall Economic Development

In its third year, the Annual Career Expo sponsored by Marshall Economic Development in partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas continues to grow while expanding career horizons for high school students living in Marshall and the surrounding communities. Each year, the career expo strives to present future workers with the range of local opportunities available. For 2025, it encouraged students to “Imagine your future” here and brought together 43 Marshall area businesses and schools.

Career Expo focuses on job exposure

Career Expo zeroes in on career exposure – it’s not a job fair. Instead, it bridges the gap between employers, educators, and students. Students learn about the types of jobs available in the region, the daily activities the jobs require, and the necessary skills, certifications, or degrees required to attain the roles.

“Unlike traditional career fairs, employers bring hands-on products, videos, and other marketing materials or hold discussions to demonstrate the roles and activities of a particular career, not just current job openings,” Rush Harris, Executive Director and CeCD said. “This gives students an awareness that the job exists, a glimpse of what they might do in that role, and insight into the path to achieve it. Businesses can enhance their company awareness, connect with potential future employees, and communicate their skill requirements to educators and students. To hire in the future, we must create more engagement for opportunities now – Imagine Our Future if We Do!”

Local ISDs contribute to event success

Seven local school districts with students contributing to Marshall’s laborshed participated in the event: Marshall ISD, Elysian Fields ISD, Tatum ISD, Jefferson ISD, Hallsville ISD, Harleton ISD, and Marshall Christian Academy. Junior and seniors in high school are invited to participate whether they plan to attend college or join the workforce immediately. For the event, vendors were grouped by industry to guide students to preferred fields while leaving opportunities to engage with other industries and learn more about alternate paths. Organizers estimate between 600-700 students attended.

Vendors embrace interaction with future workers

The 43 vendors at the expo covered a range of career interests for Marshall students: education, automotive, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, law enforcement, first response, and military. Within each sector, multiple career types were presented – for example, primary care and emergency care in the healthcare industry. Students interacted with tools of the trade or exhibits at many booths, including two mental health dogs from CHRISTUS Health and a side-by-side from Thumper Fab.

"Almost every vendor had something to touch or take home, so students could leave with a greater understanding of various roles, Heather Hill,” Administrative Coordinator said,

“One of the main focuses for Marshall Economic Development is the growth and development of Marshall. Workforce is a huge component,” Amber Thibodeaux, Marketing and Communications Associate added. “The students in the expo room are our future workforce. We want them to understand there is a future in Marshall. You don’t have to go to a big city to have a beautiful life.”

The Career Expo is one of multiple events Marshall Economic Development hosts for students each year. Later in 2025, the Student Leadership Forum will provide a number of high school and college students with the opportunity to speak to community leaders and learn more about pathways to success.

To learn more about the workforce in Marshall and other initiatives from Marshall Economic Development, visit “Workforce” on our website, or contact us today.