GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students continued developing their networking skills, met potential employers and explored graduate school options during a special event on campus.
A student learns more about Apex Bank.
A student converses with representatives of one of the companies.
The Career and Graduate School Fair, held Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons, enabled students to visit with representatives of a wide array of companies and higher education institutions as they explored their next steps before and after graduation. The fair attracted some students who are in the earlier stages of the studies at Tusculum and others who are closer to receiving their degree.
Kayla Yates, assistant coordinator of career services and technical services and circulation manager for the Thomas J. Garland Library, led much of the planning for the fair. She was pleased with the outcome.
“This was an outstanding opportunity for our students as up-and-coming career-ready professionals to share what they can offer to companies and why they would be a good fit for a graduate school,” she said. “We are grateful to all of the employers and graduate schools that engaged with our students and advised them about some of the exciting paths that might be available to them.”
In addition to students, the fair was open to alumni. Alexis Coelho, who recently earned his Master of Business Administration, was one of the participants.
Janelle Zirger, left, meets with troopers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Alexis Coelho, left, and Nara Santos speak with a vendor.
“I thought it would be a good way for me to show myself to these companies as well as look for any opportunities in my line of work, which is going to be accounting,” he said. “There are a bunch of opportunities around here. You just need to put yourself out there and chat with people and make sure it’s going to be good for you as well.”
Nara Santos, who is enrolled in the undergraduate business administration program and is majoring in accounting, is preparing to graduate in May.
“The fair was a good way for me to see what I can do after I graduate because I am looking for jobs, internships and everything,” she said. “Eventually, I feel like I’m going to apply for something. I don’t know yet what to go for, but I’m open for everything at the moment.”
Senior Janelle Zirger, who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology, volunteered at the fair. But she also explored avenues for her life after she receives her bachelor’s degree. She said it was important for her to start examining potential careers.
“The career fair was helpful for not only me but also others I know, as I found resources that don’t adhere to me but to others in my family who are thinking about college,” she said. “It had a lot of variety in terms of the schools and businesses that participated, so I was able to find help for not only my career goals but for others.”
Aiden Roper, left, and Addison McLarty, visit one of the tables.
Sophomores Addison McLarty, who is majoring in digital marketing, and Aiden Roper, who is majoring in management, also stopped by the tables.
McLarty’s approach at the fair was to meet new people and grow her knowledge about the workforce. At the moment, she is open to whatever unfolds for the summer, whether it be an internship or a part-time job, as she works her way toward a career in marketing. She said the event was helpful.
“It was nice to meet people and let them tell you what classes are good to take and learn what jobs might be available in the future,” she said. “I’m growing my experience and knowledge as I try to get a full-time job one day.”
Roper had similar thoughts to McClarty, saying the fair gave him a chance to learn about the potential job market. Because he is from Georgia, he enjoyed discovering more about potential employers in this area that he did not know.
“It was a great way to meet new people and hear about opportunities and businesses, whether it’s for an internship now or a full-time job once I graduate,” he said.
Kialia Claiborne, left, meets with one of the vendors.
Another person at the fair who is majoring in management was junior Kialia Claiborne. She is a member of the Tusculum Business Leaders club and is trying to build relationships with different companies as she pursues internships and full-time jobs. She is interested in several areas of businesses and has taken a variety of courses in that field as she discerns exactly which career path she wants to take.
“I hope I can find a position where I can work that’s convenient for me as well as be a good company that interests me,” Claiborne said. “Today was super helpful because a lot of the companies that I’ve spoken with provide positions that I’m interested in. I just recommend that everyone make connections with companies, get their foot in the door, send your résumé and find the path for you.”
In addition to providing fairs, Tusculum alerts students to potential jobs through a web page and in wall postings in the Niswonger Commons. The career services program also offers periodic speakers to help students navigate the job market and learn more about careers. Tusculum faculty members work one-on-one with students to provide them with career guidance and help them achieve their goals through recommendation letters and continuing contact in future years.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.