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Sophomores explored careers ranging from architecture and law to health care and digital technology during a first-period event Wednesday that brought parent professionals into school classrooms.

Students selected a field and attended talks from volunteers who explained their work, the paths they took to reach their positions and the advice they would give young people considering similar careers.

Sophomore Madison Regulski said the event helped clarify the steps required to enter her preferred field and introduced her to potential job opportunities. Before the talks, she said career exploration could also help students reconsider their plans or discover an unexpected interest.

The speakers found an eager audience. Students asked about choosing a career, selecting college courses and finding mentors.

Amy Ovuka, chief financial officer for Medicaid at Aetna Health Insurance, spoke in the business classroom. She said she participated partly to show female students that STEM careers are open to them, noting that only about 20% of the students in her two sessions were female.

Ovuka had worried students might find the discussion boring, but said their thoughtful questions and active participation surprised her.

Anesthesiologist Batul Razvi, who has taken part in career exploration events at Longfellow Middle School for years, said she enjoys describing her profession and inspiring students in different ways.

The panelists ultimately hoped the event would expand students’ understanding of the options available to them. Ovuka said the area’s parents represent a wide variety of professions, giving students an opportunity to broaden their perspective.