Choosing a career path can be a difficult, overwhelming process for any unsure teenager who might be awkward with introductory words, a firm handshake or casual smile.

But Tuesday’s Greater Auburn Community Career Conference offered area high school students a good opportunity to explore their occupational pathways. Hundreds of smartly-dressed, conscientious students met prospective employers, business experts and leaders who graciously gave them tips, advice, firsthand knowledge and encouragement.

Some 50 businesses and post-secondary institution reps were on hand at Grace Community Church to provide valuable information and engage Auburn and Kent area students in impromptu interviews. The business exhibitors came in all sizes, descriptions and fields, from exotic metals to health care specialities, from public safety to public education, from banks and credit unions to home improvement centers, technical schools and port jobs.

The program offered much more than a chance for 17-year-olds to fill out applications for seasonal work.

“It broadens their views of what they could do,” said note-taking West Auburn High School senior David Jones, sporting a shirt and tie and speaking on behalf of the class of 2010.

In these uncertain economic times, more teens are learning more and coming better prepared to meet the demands of the complex and ultra-competitive working world. This week’s conference – a well-coordinated event produced in partnership between the Auburn School District and the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce – made an important connection. Today’s employees and tomorrow’s workers met eye-to-eye. The business community leaders explained the importance of marketable skills, first impressions, personal branding and social networking while exchanging ideas and calming fears for students.

“I’ve really enjoyed what I have seen,” said Michelle LaBorde, Columbia Bank’s South Auburn branch manager. “They are very well prepared, inquisitive, upbeat.”

Not every kid knows what he or she wants to do at age 17, but some are diving into the possibilities. The conference offered a snapshot of the future.

“It definitely helps you with interviews, helps you get your resumes ready and helps you interact with business people who are going to help you later on in life,” said Shannen Morgan, an Auburn High senior who plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University and pursue a degree in elementary school teaching. “This is definitely beneficial.”

Only a sophomore, Auburn Riverside High’s Tamara Green came to listen. She is debating whether to work one day in fire and rescue or law enforcement.

“This was more exciting than I thought it would be,” said Green, whose parents met as correction officers. “This gives you more knowledge of what they want to see.”

What they see are students hungry to get started in growing fields, such as health care and engineering.

Jennifer Sutton, a recruiter for MultiCare of Pierce County, and her associate were busy in their booth on Tuesday. Multicare’s four-hospital force employs about 10,000 in the county, Sutton said, and there are constant openings for specialized care. She is looking to help fill 80 current openings in imaging, radiology and laboratory work.

No easy task in a competitive market.

“The overall thing that students need to be aware of is they must have the passion, regardless of what field they choose to go into,” Sutton said of her main message to career-seeking teens. “If you are passionate, it fulfills you overall. We’re not recruiting someone to fill a spot, we want someone who really wants to be there.”

Fit for the force?

So too is Auburn Police Sgt. Hans Krenz, a veteran who made law enforcement a second career after 25 years as a teacher. Sgt. Krenz carefully explained to teens what police academies are looking for in recruits. Not everyone is equipped for demanding police work, especially the mental aspects of the profession. But Krenz encouraged those to build a foundation as a dependable, well-rounded person before giving law enforcement a try.

“We are looking for those with integrity, character, good skills and work ethic,” he said.

While openings are few and municipal budgets are tight right now, police forces soon will expand as cities grow. Sgt. Krenz expects to see a hiring frenzy in five years. He hopes the next generation will be ready to do the job once he retires.

“Time is on their side,” he added.

For other fields, business has been good. The weak economy has found more teenagers flocking to armed forces recruiting stations.

“Auburn is a gold mine,” Sanjay Prakash, a U.S. Navy recruiter, confided. “They are looking to get into intelligence, law enforcement, special ops. … It’s just taken off.”

In the last three years recruiting in the Auburn area, nine of Prakash’s 10 recruits remain in special ops programs.

Brian Trotter, senior chief with the Navy ROTC, says the armed forces are a more appealing option for indecisive high school graduates. The program offers scholarships in 200 degree paths, with more kids gravitating to engineering and mechanical fields. The program offers the bonus of a Navy commission afterward.

“Most kids today are a lot smarter. … They know where they want to go,” Trotter said. “They’re doing well in school and staying out of trouble.

“There seems like there are a lot more students nowadays who have their eyes on the prize.”