AIKEN --- Area eighth-grade pupils narrowed down the question of what to be when they grow up at a career fair Wednesday.

While it will be a while before they need to haggle for a better salary and plan for retirement, the fair gave pupils a chance to ask potential employers important questions and use the information to craft an Individual Graduation Plan for high school next year.

As part of the South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act, each eighth-grader creates a graduation plan based on a major or prospective career. The coordinators of the fair, called Career Quest, gather area businesses at Aiken Technical College to share their industry knowledge.

The fair has gained importance as the state changes school curricula from standard, required courses to a career-driven opportunities.

"We've spent several class periods with kids explaining the importance of good grades, behavior and career choices," said John Felak, a Schofield Middle School career specialist. "If anything, this opportunity helps them focus for the last three months of school."

In the summer, the Aiken County School District allotted $568,000 to add career counselors to middle and high schools. School officials said the added guidance has been a tremendous help as students draft career plans.

"The career specialists have done a wonderful job of preparing the 2,200 students in Aiken," said Debbie Hubbard, a Career Quest organizer. "I feel like the law is in its infant stages, but we're looking at ways to improve the day and continue to serve the students."

Employers at Career Quest said they also see a difference. Pupils ask well-informed questions instead of just trying to get a stamp on a card and leaving with friends, they said.

"I knew before I came out here I wasn't going to sugarcoat everything, but the kids are genuine in their questions and want to know of more opportunities in the work force," Army Staff Sgt. Mitch Harris said.

Mrs. Hubbard said drawing employers for arts, maintenance and transportation has become difficult the past few years. Pupils said they also see a lack in humanities fields.

"I really wish we had more careers offered, like photography," said Jami Baxley, of Jackson Middle. "I think today did give us a good idea of how to plan, though."