October 18th, 2024 | Berryville, Virginia: Marlow Auto Group proudly participated in the Clarke County High School Career Fair held on October 18th, 2024. The event provided an excellent platform for students to explore various career opportunities and gain insights into the automotive industry, all while making informed decisions about their futures. Leading the Marlow Auto Group presentation were Ed Sullivan, Service & Parts Director, and Deidre Williams, HR Director. Their enthusiasm and expertise created an engaging atmosphere that encouraged students to ask questions and explore the various career paths available within a dealership. As they navigated through the fair, students were excited to learn about roles beyond sales and service, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and human resources.
Exploring Diverse Opportunities
One of the primary objectives of the career fair was to showcase the wide array of employment opportunities available at Marlow Auto Group and in the automotive industry. During the two-hour event, Ed and Deidre highlighted the importance of each department, explaining how they contribute to the overall success of a dealership.
• Sales Department: While many students are familiar with the sales roles, Deidre emphasized that successful salespeople possess exceptional communication skills and a strong understanding of customer needs. She discussed how a career in sales can offer be rewarding and the chance to build long-lasting relationships with customers.
• Service Department: Ed explained that the service department offers not only technician roles but also opportunities in management, parts, and customer service. He highlighted the importance of technical training and certification programs available for students interested in becoming automotive technicians.
• Finance and Accounting: Ed explained how financial professionals help customers navigate financing options. The Finance Manager engages directly with customers, presenting financing options, negotiating terms, and ensuring regulatory compliance, which helps customers make informed decisions about loans and leases. Meanwhile, the Office Manager oversees administrative operations, maintains accurate records, and assists with budgeting and financial reporting
• Marketing and Human Resources: Deidre elaborated on how marketing teams work to create promotional campaigns, engage customers, and enhance the dealership’s brand presence. She also explained the vital role of human resources in recruiting, training, and developing employees, emphasizing the importance of a positive workplace culture.
Impact on Students
Feedback from students indicated that they found the career fair to be an enlightening experience. Many expressed excitements about the various career opportunities they hadn’t previously considered. The interactive discussions allowed them to visualize potential career paths, fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation for their future. As students explored different booths and engaged with professionals, it was clear that the event provided a valuable platform for them to gain insights and network with local employers. The atmosphere was filled with energy and enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of community support in shaping young minds.
Fostering Community Connections
Marlow Auto Group is committed to continuing its outreach efforts in local schools, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for students to learn about the automotive industry and beyond. Our participation in the Clarke County High School Career Fair exemplifies this commitment, as we dedicated time and resources to inspire the next generation of professionals and foster a vibrant community. The Career Fair was a resounding success, allowing students to explore a variety of career paths while gaining valuable insights into diverse opportunities within our industry. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are exploring possibilities for future sessions, internships, and partnerships with schools to further engage students and support their career development. We invite other schools and community organizations to collaborate in providing educational experiences that empower young individuals to reach their full potential. Through this engagement, we are not only nurturing a skilled workforce but also cultivating meaningful connections that will help shape the leaders of tomorrow.